VIDEO: Dan Neil drives the Audi eTron, tells Musk and Fisker to watch out

Curved Spout Faucets by Gattoni

"The Techno collection of curved spout faucets by Gattoni blends contemporary aesthetics with innovation and timeless luxury. The Wabi faucets have been aptly described as the company’s “youngest product” in terms of design. Simple yet sensual, the curves of this arching spout recall tradition and function, but with a cool, contemporary twist. The curving shape is complemented by a matching lever – but the list doesn’t stop there. With a whole range of 31 pieces to choose from including washbasin, bidet, tub faucets, exposed and built-in shower mixers, shower heads, shower columns and other accessories, your bathroom can coordinate as much as you’d like for a modern, minimalist look, or combine select pieces with traditional or transitional bathroom elements for an elegantly eclectic look. Regardless of style, the chrome finish will complement any modern bathroom. Check out these uniquely curved faucets at Gattoni."

Source: Trendir

Kenton Sorenson Leather Dopp Kit

Price: $110

Source: LikeCool

Try ‘Space Beer’ this season for a change

The search for water in space involves billions and billions of dollars, but discovering beer came easy toSapporo Breweries, which has just begun selling six-packs of the world’s first “Space Beer” brewed with barley descended from seeds that spent time in space. “Space Barley” is extracted from the fourth-generation offspring of barley seeds that spent five months aboard the International Space Station in 2006 as part of research that Sapporo conducted with the Russian Academy of Sciences and OkayamaUniversity. “The aim of the research was to study the adaptability and life cycle of barley in zero-gravity and to explore the challenges of achieving self-sufficient food production in space.” Space Barley beer has a mellow flavor and slightly dark color reminiscent of deep space, according to Sapporo, and is available in a limited number of 250 six-packs, with each pack going for $110. The proceeds will benefit Okayama University, which will use the funds to promote science education for children and foster the development of space science research in Japan and Russia.

Source: Bornrich

Treehouse / RPA

Located on a high eastern-facing ridge with views downtown Los Angeles in the distance, the Banyan Treehouse is a diminutive art studio and sanctuary. Rockefeller Partners was originally commissioned by this client to design a house that was ultimately never realized. Working together once again on this project, architect and client were able to revisit some of the design elements that they had originally explored in a different context, such as the striking butterfly roofline.

Perched atop steel pylons that abstractly emulate natural branches, the project is not literally a tree house but rather a modern interpretation of one. The design pays the ultimate respect to the pre-existing tree, literally shaping itself around the contours of the trunk. Inside, a single glass cut out in the floor reconnects the tree house inhabitant to the tree itself, a respectful and subtle nod to Mother Nature.

Every surface of the tree house is appointed with wood, creating an unparalleled level of warmth. The exterior is clad with high-grade cedar while the underside of the eaves and the structure itself are clad with rich palope. Inside, the walnut floors are complemented by walnut paneled walls.

Serving both as a studio and as guest accommodation, the tree house is completely self-sufficient with a water closet, fireplace, refrigerator, daybed, and television. Outside, a quick walk down the stairs leads to a protected and private outdoor shower.

Source: Arch Daily

Air Jordan XII White/Varsity Red Release Date

"Part of a fitting trilogy along with the Air Jordan XII Flu Game and the Air Jordan XII Rising Sun, the Air Jordan XII white/black-varsity red, which features colors from each of the aforementioned AJ12’s, has an official release date set. If you’re a big fan of retro releases that don’t digress too much from the original, this might just be for you as it’s pretty much the same shoe seen so many years ago. In fact this is the only original colorway of the AJ12 that hasn’t been retro’d until now. It’s about time. The Air Jordan XII white/varsity red release date is set for December 19th."

Source: nikeblog.com

Airless Tires

"anyone who has ever driven a car dreads getting a flat tire, but what if your tires could never go flat? in recent years a number of companies and inventors have been working on creating airless tires that would be impossible to puncture. the most well known design in this field is the michelin tweel, a combination wheel and tire. the design was one of the first to emerge, bringing the idea of non-pneumatic tires to the public's attention. but michelin has been slow to roll out the technology beyond the test phase. in light of this, a company called resilient technologies has also been working on an airless tire. the company recently announced that prototypes of their honeycomb-like tires will ship in 2011 for use in the US military. this will no doubt help the airless tire field, as will other startup companies working on the task like britek. you can see their design below and a video explaining more. with this much competition in the field, we may see non-pneumatic tires on consumer vehicles in the near future.

http://www.michelin.com
http://www.resilienttech.com
http://www.energyreturnwheel.com"

Source: designboom

Carbon 451 Lamp by Marcus Tremonto

"American artist/designer Marcus Tremonto has created the Carbon 451 Lamp.When asked by art gallery owner Patrick Brillet to design a piece out of Carbon Fiber, we decided to celebrate and utilize the best of the materials true physical properties, its strength and lightness. The complexity of curves and required thinness could not be duplicated in any other material whilestill maintaining its ability to support itself completely…"

Source: Contemporist

Ferrari World Prepares for Grand Opening in Abu Dhabi Next Year

"If you had the occasion to watch the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which capped the end of the 2009 Formula One World Championship, you may have gotten a glimpse of a giant red structure with a huge Ferrari emblem on the roof. What you're looking at is Ferrari World, the first Ferrari theme park, being built on the man-made Yas Island resort in Abu Dhabi.

The complex stands as the largest indoor park in the world, encompassing some 2 million square feet under a giant 150-foot-high red steel roof sporting the largest Ferrari logo in the world. Out of the top protrudes a 200-foot g-force drop tower, accompanying the world's fastest roller coaster, a flume ride simulating a Ferrari engine and kart tracks among its 20+ attractions. Of course there'll be plenty of restaurants and shopping opportunities that go along with any theme park as well. This one is set to open its doors some time next year as part of an ongoing initiative to turn the United Arab Emirates into a leading tourist destination."

Source: Luxist

Audi Avatar Concept Hails From an Optimistic Future

"This otherworldly Audi Avatar concept throws out all kinds of unlikely performance figures–the 2.9-second 0 to 62 mph time and 223 + mph top speed seem like pretty tall orders from an electric. Then again, why not throw out all kinds of ridiculous numbers; it’s just a concept, anyway. Plus the designer has until the self-imposed 2032 to get the tech up to the vision. High performance hopes aside, the odd-looking mechanical creature features four, wheel-mounted electric motors powered by long-range supercharge-ion batteries. Assisting the motors with performance is an aerodynamic, lightweight body. The car is designed to deliver drivers with the “joy of driving that they had playing racing games when they were kids”. That is, assuming they can find the wheels. Designed by Edwin Conan. [via Coroflot]"

Source: DesignCrave

Listen..

Wale Ft. Rihanna - Contemplate

Attention Deficit drops Nov. 11th

Wood and Glass Staircases - Mistral staircase design by Siller

"These gorgeous wood and glass staircases by Siller are about as close as “interactive art” as you can get! Indeed you’ll feel like you’re scaling a sculpture as you make your way up the Mistral staircase design – a stylishly simple, barely there floating staircase. The minimalist design enhances every modern space with the clean, clear look of glass, which allows light and space to flow uninterrupted. Customizable to suit any space, large or small, these wood and glass staircases add instant chic to every home. Put a modern twist on your style and take it to the next level with the Mistral staircase. Check it out at Siller."

Source: Trendir

"The original" leather postal messenger bag

"Handcrafted, meticulously finished American leather. J.Crew has faithfully recreated the beautiful, oil-tanned mailbags carried by the U.S. Postal Service from 1868 until the 1970s, when the original leather satchels were replaced by blue nylon bags. Designed to improve with age, our hand-oiled, hand-stained, hand-burnished postal messengers are sewn by experienced artisans on century-old machines. Each piece of leather is carefully selected for quality; each historically correct, heavy copper rivet is set by hand. As a result, each "original" leather postal messenger is one of a kind with its own unique character. Buckle-strap closure on flap. Interior back-wall patch pocket. Unlined. "

Available at jcrew.com - $795

Source: J. Crew

The Hill-Side Scarf in Indigo Chambray

"You_Have_Broken_The_Internet blog points us out to this wonderful scarf by Hill-Side. While the chambray love is still strong amongst the shirt circle, Hill-Side gives us a unique accessory for the fall season. The stitch detailing is superb as well as the color contrast of the indigo chambray and the lining. A number of these scarves will be available in November in Indigo, Black, Plum Violet, and Kyoto Violet."

Source: Swipelife

Dubai’s Luxury Metro

"In Dubai, 30,000 workers labored over the course of four years to produce the city’s first metro system. Opened to the public in September, the $7.64 billion budget is double what developers expected, but the automated system is the longest in the world, with over 52 kilometers of track and 29 stations. Monumental air-conditioned pedestrian bridges protect riders from the desert heat as they approach stations, and once aboard, luxury compartments and wireless internet service pamper them between destinations.

Officials and residents hope that the metro system will initiate a wave of development in Dubai, where several projects have stalled or been abandoned due to the poor economic climate. Whether residents in the notoriously hot city will abandon their cars (running on $1.00 per gallon gas) remains to be seen, but officials say they expect annual ridership to exceed 200 million."

Source: Swipelife

Squid-inspired Vado showerhead

"Giant squids, despite being elusive creatures, have remained a subject for sci-fi movies but Vado has brought this rare deep-sea creature out and to your shower. Seemingly inspired by a squid, this infinitely adjustable Vado showerhead has six flexible tentacles that can be aimed anywhere you like. This freakingly cool showerhead might look like a piece from some sci-fi movie, but this Sculpture shower head from Vado would glue any sci-fi aficionado in the shower."

Source: Bornrich

Listen..

Tiesto (With Tegan and Sara) - I Feel it in My Bones

From the Album "Kaleidoscope" by Tiesto, released October 6, 2009.

Source: MFR

Southern Tier Brewing Co. - Pumking

"Pumking is an ode to Púca, a creature of Celtic folklore, who is both feared and respected by those who believe in it. Púca is said to waylay travelers throughout the night, tossing them on its back, and providing them the ride of their lives, from whichthey return forever changed! Brewed in the spirit of All Hallows Eve, a time of year when spirits can make contact with the physical world and when magic is most potent. Pour Pumking into a goblet and allow it’s alluring spirit to overflow. As spicy aromas present themselves, let its deep copper color entrance you as your journey into this mystical brew has just begun. As the first drops touch your tongue a magical spell will bewitch your taste buds making it difficult to escape. This beer is brewed with pagan spirit yet should be enjoyed responsibly.
9.0% abv • 12.7ºL • Imperial Pumpkin Ale • 22 oz / 1/2 keg / 1/6 keg"

Source: Southern Tier Brewing Company

Rocking Chair Powers Its Attached OLED Lamp Just by Rocking

"The Murakami Chair's attached lamp powered by your rocking back and forth, a good idea! Designed by Rochus Jacob. The Chair's OLED lamp even senses when it's light or dark out. And it has a battery pack which stores 'your rocking' in the daylight ."

Source: LikeCool

Tag Heuer’s Limited Edition Monaco V4

"Tag Heuer has released the Tag Heuer Monaco V4 Watch, the world’s first belt-driven, ball bearing timepiece. To be released in a limited run of 150 units, this revolutionary wrist watch is available for 55,000 Euros on the market. The mechanics on this thing are truly amazing, a system never before seen in a watch like this."

Source: Flylyf

Snowmobile dreams of being a racing motorbike

"Biking, be it on the track or on snow, is full of adventure and offers a thrill to the rider. Resembling a Moto GP racing bike, British Designer Evangelos Gicas has designed a snow bike dubbed “Snowmobile” that requires the rider to mold his or her posture according to the shape of the vehicle, thus decreasing aerodynamic drag in a great way. Like a MotoGP racing bike, riders need to lean toward the direction they wish turn the snowmobile. Hence body posture or balance plays an important role in controlling the snowmobile."

Source: The Design Blog

Key-Plus-Ring (Why Didn't We Think of That?)

Photo: Zachary Zavislak

"One day in June, Scott Amron came home and tossed his keys on the kitchen table. Then he paused, eyeing his pocket-jinglers, and had a Hudsucker-ish inspiration: Why not combine the key and the key ring? Amron makes a living turning far-out concepts into workable prototypes for outfits like Oxo and Polder Home Tools, so he rendered a design and posted it on his Web site,amronexperimental.com. Within a day the sound of head-slapping had reverberated across the Net. Within a week he was in touch with a manufacturer. Within a month he had more than 25,000 preorders for his key-plus-ring, which can be cut to fit almost any front door in the US. Only one problem: The design he posted used his own front-door key as a model; a resourceful thief would have no trouble making a house call. "I had to change my locks," Amron says. Small price to pay for an idea everyone wishes they had thought of first."

• Manufacturer: Amron Experimental
• Price: $7 for two

Source: Wired

Glass House by Nico Van Der Meulen Architects

"Nico Van Der Meulen Architects designed the Glass House in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Glass House by Nico Van Der Meulen Architects

The house is situated on a 4000 sq.m site, with a total floor area of 2500sq.m. The owner requested a modern, glamorous, open plan, light-filled house with views from all rooms into the garden.

The shape on the south side is a half circle, forming a horseshoe on the north side. Approaching the house form the gate the driveway is elevated to allow glimpses thru’ the house to the garden and raised water feature on the other side of the house.

The porte cochere is a suspended glass and stainless steel structure, with view into the house and a stainless steel and glass staircase, suspended over a heated pond, (which in summer acts as a temperature stabilizer, and in winter as a giant heater) with a circular, raised glass water feature in the background, framed by a beam two storeys high.

To the right is a small sunken formal lounge, and to the left a timber-clad lift tower. The dining room is raised a couple of steps above the family room. The window to the dining room is a 6m high curved glass enclosure, where each sheet of glass leans over further than the previous sheet, with glass fins holding it in position.

The frameless glass folding doors starts at the dining room, and stretches for nearly 70m around the dining room, family room, lanai, indoor pool and gym.

The family room is partially double volume, flowing seamlessly into the lanai and heated indoor pool, with a bar, pizza oven, gas and wood braai.

The kitchen leads off the family room and dining room, with a pair of automatic, frameless sandblasted doors leading from the dining room to the kitchen. A breakfast area and playroom are adjacent to the kitchen, allowing the younger kids to be supervised from the kitchen and family room, and allowing direct access to the bar and barbeque area from the kitchen.

An atrium between the family room and the kitchen allows the family to ventilate and cool the house naturally, without compromising their security, while a roller shutter door drops down automatically when the alarm is activated, cutting the top floor off from the ground floor.

The walls to the family room and bar is clad with marble strips, with glass inlays and LED strip lights.

You can jump from the main bedroom into the pool, swim to the gym, swim back and use the steel spiral staircase to go back to the main bedroom , or tip a tipsy friend into the pool from his barstool!

The lanai opens up totally to the outdoor pool with a deck, spilling into a kid’s splash pool at the bottom.
A basement under the house have parking for about 12 cars, with a view into the pool, and a top-lit art gallery which forms the passage between the garages and the lift.

A feature wall opposite the living areas is clad in stone from Jerusalem, with a tree aloe growing in front of it. The stone comes from buildings hundreds of years old, being demolished in Israel to make space for development. The same stone is used in the dining room, flowing thru’ the glass wall to the outside.

The study is a glass box at the top of the staircase, with a view over the pools at the bottom. A large playroom is situated next to it, with an intimate home theater and kitchenette, leading to a large balcony with a shaded porch. The main bedroom on the other side of the hall is reached via a gallery looking down into the dining room and out to the garden.

The main suite has a small lounge and built-in kitchenette, with a drop-down screen and projector built into the bulkhead.

The main bathroom is a study in glass and transparency: The North and east walls are glass and slides open, even if privacy is required, the doors can be left open and the automatic blinds can be lowered, still allowing views and ventilation, but looking translucent from outside.

A large balcony off the main bedroom is partially covered, granting respite from the summer sun, or allowing all fresco early morning coffee or late afternoon drinks, while a staircase to the roof allows views over the surrounding suburb and towards Midrand.

The double volume glass enclosure over the pool can be opened from the balcony outside the children’s bedrooms, allowing a cooling updraft over the pool.

From another balcony the door overlooking the double volume in the family room can be opened, again resulting in a cooling chimney effect to the living areas.

Visit the website of Nico Van Der Meulen Architects – here."

Source: Contemporist