Big Dig House by SsD Architects

"SsD Architects designed the Big Dig house in Lexington, Massachusetts.

As a prototype building that demonstrates how infrastructural refuse can be salvaged and reused, the structural system for this house is comprised of steel and concrete discarded from Boston’s Big Dig utilizing over 600,000 lbs of salvaged materials from elevated portions of the dismantled I-93 highway. Planning the reassembly of the materials in as if it were a pre-fab system, subtle spatial arrangements are created. These materials however are capable of carrying much higher loads than standard structure, easily allowing the integration of large scale roof gardens. Most importantly, the project demonstrates an untapped potential for the public realm: with strategic front-end planning, much needed community programs including schools, libraries, and housing could be constructed whenever infrastructure is deconstructed, saving valuable resources, embodied energy, and taxpayer dollars."

Source: Contemporist

The Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Crossing, Dubai

"The Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Crossing is a new 1.7 kilometer bridge, which will be the largest and tallest spanning arch bridge in the world. The bridge’s form, a simple arch, is the most basic of structural solutions for spanning great distances. This particular application of the arch, however, is informed by the culture, topography, light, and script of the region. The structure visually connects to the earth, and then takes a bold leap. As it descends, the bridge touches down to embrace and frame the opera house. The structure again rises up and makes a lighter arch before ending in a gesture reaching skyward. The bridge also incorporates two metro lines."

Source: flylyf

iVictrola iPod Amplifier: Get back into the groove with a new twist

"You might think that the gramophone died with Nipper the dog, but it’s remarkable to see something of a bygone era relive through the blitz of technology. The iVictrola iPod amplifier created and designed by Matt Richmond might appear to be an old-fashioned object that brings back the memories of a bygone era however, is an extremely convenient gadget of the iPod age. What looks like an antique at the first sight can play your iPod without using batteries or an electrical plug or a solar panel for that matter, but the device runs on an acoustic amplification based on its simple and smart engineering. Handcrafted from recycled walnut pieces from the high-end furniture, the horn is made from metal that actually maximizes the amplification to keep you grooving. Expected to be a limited edition device, the iVictrola iPod amplifier will be priced somewhere near $400 and will be available soon at Design Without Reach."

Source: Bornrich

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