This small and low coffee table is called Spline and was created by Fred Rieffel. You can change it rotating the plates as you want. The table is made of oak veneer, the measures are 124 x 23 x 86 cm. Moves, changes and metamorphoses of form are all according to your mood. The table is eco-friendly as made of natural wood and it’s very stylish. It would look great not only in modern interior but also in many others. Simple and elegant, it’s available in ten types of wood.

The system used for this table reminds me of the tables i saw once in a chinese restaurant here, in my home town. The purpose of a rotating table in there is kinda obvious as you buy more type of food, put them on the rotating part of the table and serve yourself from every dish, we might have such a thing with more types of coffee, tea? More types of coffee/tea in special recipients for people to serve themselves ? It’s kinda a good idea! At least i and my friends would love it!

Those people have decided to create something unique and something that you don’t see everyday and yet it is cheap and it is built from a recycled materials.

This house is one of the examples how home can be built without spending much money. This house has been built from a cheap recycled materials and it is also eco-friendly.

But those people are not just savvy they are also pretty creative, you can see how some of the walls, doors and roof are mosaic-like decorated. And when you look it inside it looks really nice and makes you wonder who wouldn’t like to live there.

The Leaf House, a tropical beach house was designed by Mareines + Patalano Arquitetura is located in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Leaf House was inspired by Brazil’s Indian architecture, perfectly suited for the hot and humid climate where it stands, Rio de Janeiro. The roof acts as a big leaf that protects from the hot sun all the enclosed spaces of the house, such as the verandas and the in-between open spaces. These last two types of space are the main social areas, the essence of the design. They allow trade winds from the sea to pass trough the building, providing natural ventilation and passive cooling.

The architects see this as low-tech eco-efficiency where it has the greatest impact; as the concept of the architectural design. Mareines +Patalano, in agreement with the client, understand the idea of a tropical beach house as a means of enhancing the interaction between man and nature, trying not to separate them completely. There are no corridors and inside and outside are almost fused. Rain water is harvested from the roof for re-use. With its natural finishes, organic aesthetics and richness of details, the house is in harmony with the exuberant Brazilian nature.

Homes in the tropics rarely need much more than a breeze in order to keep the environment comfortable. As for other sustainable design techniques, the roof harvests rainwater for use in the house, and the interior is naturally finished with wood, stone and natural fabrics. We suspect the wood was harvested locally, and can only hope it was done so in a sustainable fashion. Above all the Leaf House is amazing inspiration for organic design that brings the outdoors in. It protects the inhabitants from rain and sun, while bringing in fresh breezes to cool the interior.

Simply a piece of paradise!

Searching for inspiration…

Poj is a handcrafter of furniture and objects, a designer of happenings and events, and a creator of unique spatial atmospheres. His use of materials is definitely on the unconventional side of the spectrum. Poj spends much of his time looking for treasures in junk yards. He searches for objects with a soul and a lasting quality to them. Mr. Poj ponders on the subject of memory and historic value. Historic value not at the superficial level of style and form, but at a deeper level, he values the biography of objects and materials.
Poj also invests much energy researching new ways of using materials of great qualities which are not that far into the unconventional, but which have not fallen yet into the hands of large scale mainstream manufacturing; materials like salvaged cardboard or engineered bamboo. All his furniture pieces are designed through high technology, handcrafted, and built for life.

The Bamboo Collection…

Facundo recently discovered and began fabricating with Smith and Fong PlybooPure brand of plywood bamboo, an ideal material that can be reshaped to fit the form of the human body. “It’s infinite—I can solve any design with one line,” he says. “I can solve every need for the household, sometimes even two at once.”

Facundo chose Plyboo as his medium because it is manufactured in large enough sheets, it is strong, durable, and non toxic. Bamboo is also a fast growing grass and this helps prevent forest depletion. Poj does not use nails or screws. All layers are glued with a non-toxic glue, threaded together with oak dowels and clamp pressed. The result is structurally solid and soft at the same time. His pieces of art are not only wonderfull but also eco-friendly.

At FINNE Architects, they have been practicing sustainable design for over fifteen years.

They are members of the Cascadia Green Building Council and are LEED certified. Every project is designed to fit to the site in a sensitive manner, to conserve resources by using passive heating and cooling, to maximize the use of natural light, and to employ sustainable building materials. They also promote a philosophy of building smaller homes, but with a focus on quality, rather than large homes with no real character. Smaller homes are more sustainable, and they also promote local suppliers of major building materials such as windows, siding, roofing, etc. Another important part of our practice is the attention to detailing and craftsmanship in their projects. Sustainable design is not simply creating a laundry-list of green materials, rather, it is creating enduring building form and construction with appropriate long life-cycle, low-energy consuming materials.

Site Issues

Solar Orientation to capture maximum passive solar heating.
Wind Orientation to capture prevailing breezes.
North-facing glass minimized to limit heat loss.
Careful site study to minimize disturbance to native vegetation.

Building Form

Deep overhangs provide solar shading and protect exterior materials, give longer live cycle for exterior materials.
Rainscreen” detailing of exterior walls provides air layer behind siding, protecting against rotting and extending life cycle of materials.
Extensive glass areas for natural lighting, ventilation, and passive solar heating.

Rainwater

Channeled for re-use as irrigation.
Directed back to soil so as to minimize contribution to storm sewer systems.

Insulation

2×8 wall construction to achieve 42% higher insulation value than standard 2×6 walls.
Some projects have walls up to 12″ thick for even greater insulation value.
Use of cellulose blown-in insulation, made from re-cycled paper, instead of fiberglass batt.

Exterior Materials

Stone used for maximum life-cycle costing and durability.
Wood used as renewable resource, with certification if budget permits.
Wood structural members chose from engineered lumber, employing wood waste products.
Metal siding used for maximum durability.

Interior Materials

Linoleum for counters and floors.
Counters from recycled materials such as aluminum, glass, or paper.
Resin panels with various embedded materials such as sea grass.
Low VOC paints.
Mecho Shades for extensive solar shading.
Wood certified to be sustainably harvested.

Heating/Mechanical

Radiant heating.
Natural ventilation through extensive use of high clerestory windows.

Lighting

High clerestory windows and extensive glass areas for daylighting, minimizing energy consumption.
Energy-miser light fixtures.
LED’s used to minimize energy consumption and maximum lamp life.
Fluorescent fixtures used whenever possible.

Construction Recycling

For renovation projects, we work with “second-use” companies that re-use windows, doors, cabinets, appliances, etc.

Our construction sites typically re-cycle large amounts of construction debris to minimize impact on landfills.

DRAW ME A SHEEP

Previously trained as furniture and industrial designers, BoYoung Jung and Emmanuel Wolfs installed their workshop in Belgium, and started their design practice which approaches design as medium rather than discipline. In recent years, DrawMeaSheep has produced series of objects that are often inspired by current debates in our society and culture. Sometimes thought-provoking and ironic, these objects remain functional as everyday items; however, they are also the platforms to share values and to challenge viewpoints that are both personal and universal.

Nature V2.01 project chair(2006) Inspired from world’s debates on GMO products and eco-crisis on earth, ‘Nature v2.01’ explores today’s struggling human relationship with nature and our desire for authenticity. More difficult it gets to find something authentic, more demands on ‘nature’ to be ‘natural’ – yet to the extent that it is allowed by people. Nature, considered to be original to its core, is increasingly becoming an interface controlled by man. The simple joy of breathing clean air, sitting on a tree trunk and listening to the birds has become luxury for some. And it seems that the search for true, unspoiled nature has never been so intense in the history of mankind. Our product culture, on the other hand, makes it desirable to involve nature in the manufacturing process to convey authentic value in mass production. On the assumption that our industry puts no limit to the transformation and reproduction of subjects with the pretense of progress, it is likely that some day we might encounter quare trees growing in rows. Thus, the design raises a series of questions about the attitude towards a possible future: Are we ready to change anything as long as manufacturing method is profitably innovative? If we bio-manufacture our furniture in order to get the most ‘authentic’ furniture with minimal modification, can we still call it nature?

Square Tree Trunk series are a part of NATURE V2.01 project. ‘Round’ is perfect in nature, but ‘square’ is perfect for industrial standard. To illustrate, square tree would enable wood industry to lose less material, to cut easier with machines and to store more efficiently. One sawmiller said, “I wish trees were growing square. Things people make with woods are square anyway, and we need to lose a lot by cutting out the rounded part.” Likewise, same ‘tree’ can be seen as a symbol of nature, or inefficient material for ’wood’ industry.
Would we actually get surprised by looking at square trees someday??

Strictly Design

The ambition behind Strictly Design is to move upward in a constantly changing market. The focus will be on original design and highest possible quality rather than price and volume.

Lobster and Shelley are produced in Denmark in materials carefully chosen to match the requirements of the design, the function, and the construction.

The shell is laminated, bend wood with a walnut veneer at the back. Inside the shell we have used Pantera foam, as it is very durable and probably the least damaging foam regarding our environment.

The swivel base is chrome-plated steel. The fabrics and the leather they are using for Lobster are of the very best quality.

Not only the impressive and modern design of these chairs are to be noticed, but also the great comfort they offer and the fact that they are eco-friendly.

Fletcher & Myburgh

Both artists have been led by their desire for a natural and organic lifestyle and by choosing precious recycled metals they’ve achieved a just this. By drawing inspiration from the terrains in which they both grew up, rolling hills and curving lanes, heat and sunshine, the passion for form is evident. The result is uber chic pieces of copper and fire that work with all the elements, come rain or shine.

Fletcher & Myburgh’s magical mood swings draw their inspiration from nature and the world of fantasy and wonderment.

The Fletcher & Myburgh Swing Collection contains seven awesome types of swings as it follows:

Jasmin Swing

The classic Jasmin swing is the most delicate of Fletcher and Myburgh’s mystical swings. Its twisted curls of wrought iron create a blissful hanging retreat that let’s you just go with the flow. The best thing about this swing is that although it looks delicate it can carry more than one, so pile in, share abedtime story, escape or just float.

Imagine being able to climb into a tree and become a part of it. Twist yourself in scents of Jasmin and just float for a while? Sounds good doesn’t it? Well imagine no longer. The classic Jasmin swing is the most delicate of Fletcher and Myburgh’s mystical swings. Its twisted curls of wrought iron create a blissful hanging retreat that let’s you just go with the flow. Climb into the wicker basket, curl up in the Indian Silk cushions and swing magically in the breeze. No oak tree in town? Don’t worry as the Jasmin weighs in at just 45kg, a small apple tree is perfect too. If you’ve fallen in love with the Jasmin but have no trees or outside space, fear not…it’s also possible to buy a stand, alternatively wall brackets, beams and conservatory roofs are frequently used.

Bubble Swing

The Bubbles swing is the ultimate tree accessory for anyone wishing to float away in the privacy of his or her own garden. One of the more recent designs, it fuses a modern eclectic circular design with delicate stainless steel metal work. Can you imagine clambering into your own private bauble? Imagine no longer as here it is and after a very rock and roll journey too! Have you ever just wanted to run off and hide in your own bubble, escape from the rat race and return to a childlike freedom in a, well, grown up way? Well you can and all with a very stylish and ephemeral twist!

The Bubbles swing is the ultimate tree accessory for anyone wishing to float away in the privacy of their own garden! These swings not only form a permanent art fixture in your garden but are also the ultimate rock and roll party accessory.

Mypod Swing

The most adventurous creation to date this swing is not only an architectural triumph but also a visionary
masterpiece. Sitting in this piece gives you a feeling of utter escape both in movement and sound. The newest member of the mood family its ridges of pure golden copper encircle you and you’ll find the swing magically turning itself into an acoustic cocoon.

In ridges of pure golden copper that encircle you, the swing turns itself into an acoustic cocoon. Not only is it an architectural and visionary masterpiece it also gives you the sense of utter escape both in movement and sound. When you climb into this swing and sink into the bed of cushions inside you enter a world that totally envelopes you…a throwback to the moment you feel the sensation of hearing your favourite song, smell a childhood memory or escape in your head to a tropical beach.

Ostara Swing

Suspended from either a tree or the circular stand, the Ostara swing is the ultimate swing for two. Nestled inside you can escape the elements and really curl up in its beaten copper walls. The two tone effect looks stunning as an art piece but even better with company – a seductive copper cocoon, which lets you go with the flow.

Suspended from either a tree or the circular stand, the Ostara swing is the ultimate swing for two. Nestled inside you can escape the elements and really curl up in its beaten copper walls. The two-tone effect looks stunning as an art piece but even better with company – a seductive copper cocoon, which lets you go with the flow.

Moon Swing

With its gorgeous full and half moon feel, detailed copper lining and blissful comfort this piece provides total escape, a quiet place to rest away from everyday life. Hang it beneath the bows of a huge tree at the bottom of a garden, amongst the woods or in an open space from one of the specially made frames.

Pumpkin Swing

The pumpkin swing allows you to climb in and sit within its gorgeous copper ridges ensuring the perfect hidey-hole feel. A wonderful enclosed space has been created in its walls and with extras like a 12-volt light, shaped windows and a secret music box at your fingertips – it really is the smashing pumpkin of the swing world. What’s more, you don’t have to keep it to yourself…

These awesome Swing could be the perfect choice for your garden or any of your outdoor space. Swings are perfect for both children and grown ups so don’t worry if you are an adult and sometimes feel the need to swing, swing.. SWING!

The NGH is a small weekend house that overlooks the River Kuma in Kumakura, Japan. It’s approximately a 13′x13′x13′ cube, but  functional enough due to the ramshackle space that is formed by the cedar logs, creating spaces for seating, sleeping, eating, storage, etc. Due to the fact that fact that it is made out of cedar logs it is considered not to be very eco-friendly.