aspiringmdjoeg's ideas
Cooltech Applications, a French company based in Alsace, has been developing magnetic cold technology since 2003, winning prizes for its sustainable innovations. Vincent Delecourt, commercial and marketing manager, explains the benefits: “Magnetic cold is totally green, without gas, and is a credible alternative to refrigerants used today that contribute to global warming. Also, magnetic cold is much less energy-consuming. It could reduce a fridge’s electric consumption by half.” A first test phase will be conducted this year in the professional market. The technology is expected to be ready for domestic use in 2020.
The solar fridge (and freezer) is a dream for anyone wanting to live green. Now it’s a reality, being produced in France by a company called Freecold. Lionel Bataille, innovation and prospective manager, explains: “Thanks to a photovoltaic panel, this appliance uses solar energy to directly supply the compressor without a battery or voltage regulator. As soon as the sun appears, even if it’s for a few minutes, the system produces cold, giving it complete independence for three days. It also has a strengthened thermic insulation to give it a A++ energy rating.” A domestic version is still under development, but the FrigoMobile, a kind of cart with a cold unit, solar light and solar mobile charger, already exists.
The shock freezer, or blast chiller, is a relative of the refrigerator and freezer, but uses a much wider range of temperatures with high precision. Massimo Caudullo, managing director of Italian company Coldline, explains that its an appliance that deep-freezes cooked food or chills fresh food in an amazingly fast way. The air inside the appliance can go down to [minus 40 degrees], It also chills fresh foods at [40 degrees] in a few minutes. The deep-frozen food can then be stored in a normal freezer, but it gains 70 percent of additional shelf life, maintaining a high quality.
In a collaboration between the University of Naples and cutting-edge technology company WASP (World’s Advanced Saving Project), the beauty of Italian architecture is meeting modular building techniques with 3D concrete printing. Likewise, Russian manufacturer Specavia uses 3D concrete printers in the construction industry.
The Caesarstone countertop extended above the toilet, a move for compact bathrooms. Toilet: Dual Force in white (402086-0), Sterling by Kohler; wall color: Cold Wind (DE6351), flat, Dunn-Edwards; vanity: maple, custom; vanity color: Gray (2121-10), Benjamin Moore; countertop: Frost White, Caesarstone.
Here, architect Suzanne Hunt evokes the Milky Way above an indoor pool. It’s a thoughtful installation of moisture-resistant, black-painted fiber cement sheeting panels installed with threaded LED lights.
If you love sunflowers and the occasional seasonal bunch in a vase on your table isn’t enough, consider making them a permanent part of your home. Here, Swatt | Miers Architects designed a custom sunflower mosaic above a tub. It’s hard to have a sour face getting ready in the morning here.
I like that Duravit toilet.
Cool family bathroom.
The master bathroom can be accessed through two doors, which are either side of the wardrobes in the bedroom. Wood-effect porcelain tiles reflect the trees outside and mirror the flooring downstairs. Behind the wood-effect wall is a shower on one side and a toilet on the other. The tiles go around into the shower area, so it would feel as though you’re showering in a log cabin. The faucets were chosen for their organic shape. Bath: Philippe Starck for Duravit; faucets: Axor Organic by Philippe Starck; wood-effect tile: Fired Earth.
Nice layout to the homes common areas. The kitchen and dining room are seen in the back. Fireplace! Trim in black?
Great looking double hight windows for a large entrance hallway. Like the pictures idea, and the under stairs storage!
Interesting idea for a home layout.
Baby's room made out of plywood. There’s a huge trend toward wood because of the warm feel of wood. Plywood is being used for walls, floors, stairs and even ceilings.
When mixing wood with brass or other metals, go for a matte finish (or maybe brushed). Look how awesome it looks in this contemporary kitchen.
Burnished copper and leather. Hard silvery metals are being outclassed by burnished coppers, bronzes, and aged brass and iron in furniture accents, lamps and accessories. They’ll be paired up with rustic, earthy, natural materials like leather and light oak, which combine very well with vintage or rustic elements. Furthermore, if you add brightness in small amounts on a neutral base, it reinforces the eclecticism of any space, says Spanish interior designer Rocío Olmo.
Modern condo living with a splash of a vibrant yellow.
Mustard and Gray Color Combo.
Add a rainwater storage system to the property that can capture water for the garden (and possibly even for other non-potable things). Imagine combining this with a grey water system. The tank can be on or in the ground. A rain chain is a nice feature.
Cabinets that rise all the way up to the ceiling. Good for storage, but I would prefer a more contemporary look.
Cool eye level lights in the bathroom.
Going without window coverings isn’t necessarily a new idea by any means, and your ability to do so depends almost entirely on the privacy of your lot (and your comfort level). Naturally, then, not everybody will be able to re-create the simple, unadulterated contrast of a white wall with bold persimmon trimming. Still, it’s worth noting that colorblocking the window framing in this way is a striking, modern option that can still make an impact alongside minimal top treatments, sheer shades or even panels stacked completely off the window.
In contemporary-styled dwellings, there’s an appealing trend toward minimalism in hardware selection and design. In fact, some homeowners are even asking their architects and designers to mount zip rods (or “hospital tracks”) on the ceiling or to recess hardware behind a beam, for example. The draperies then appear to integrate seamlessly with the home in a majestic show of simplicity.
Contemporary top treatments: the kick-pleat valance always comes to mind, especially when thinking of “clean lines”. Although the fabric choice as much as the treatment style determines the valance's look, pairing a current pattern with a relatively flat, straight silhouette generally completes the mission.
In the trend toward all things tailored and unfussy, panels hung by grommets enjoy wide appeal. With the right tools, they’re relatively easy for a DIYer to construct and even easier to hang. Since they aren’t typically as full as most other drapery styles, they take less fabric, which increases their affordability. Designer tip: Flat panels are another kind of drapery that suits a preference for today’s popular “collected” bohemian style. They’re the least full of all window treatments and can be hung by inexpensive clip rings.
Cornices remain beloved because of how well they fit into virtually any decor scheme — they’re equally at home in a minimalist haven as in a more traditional space. Many appreciate the straight cornice’s simplicity and oft-invoked “clean lines.” Bringing the X factor, Calico Corners’ newly released nailhead cornice goes edgy for a trendy take on this old standby.
Perhaps nothing shouts “updated” like technology in the home. Motorized window treatments for both interior and exterior use are a must-have in today’s smart homes. And as time-saving automation becomes more common via fingerprint door locks, Nest thermostats and programmable light switches, a new wave of tech companies are researching ever more innovative ways to coordinate whole-house automation solutions across multiple platforms and providers. For now, all it takes is often just a cell phone with the right app (and a 20 to 25 percent bigger budget over traditional non-motorized treatments).
Sheers will always be popular, but not everybody wants the flowy coastal-cottage look. For those who covet gauzy fabric for its lightness but prefer a window dressing that’s more staid than sweet, shades will do the trick.
All vertical blinds aren’t dead, just the ugly old papery ones. Ambience sheers that offer a choice of room-darkening and light-filtering liners are making a big comeback as people rediscover their virtuous simplicity and versatility. As more homeowners look to lighten and simplify their interiors, today’s verticals will continue to gain traction as an elegant, updated solution.
Mature kids room!
Cool kids room!
This sculptural tree does double duty as a bookshelf. Tree bookcase: Nurseryworks.
Awesome contemporary kids room with a mural!
Kids shelves in a grown up library.
The glazing in the home features low-emission glass, a clear glass that has a special coating on one surface. Low-e glass provides excellent solar control since it boasts a higher level of insulation than standard glass. The coating helps to ensure that the home stays warm in winter and cool in summer. A 10-kilowatt photovoltaic system, which coverts solar energy into direct current electricity, was installed on the roof to make the most of the intense and plentiful Australian sunshine. It powers the entire home, as well as the owner’s electric car.
Backside of a contemporary Australian home. Renewable energy and sustainability were incorporated into the design of the home. Sustainable features include the use of recycled wood wherever possible. A 5,283-gallon water tank installed under the house supplies the water for the home and garden.
The spacious kitchen has a large island with a luxurious marble countertop that cascades down both ends to meet the concrete floor. Integrated appliances contribute to the sleek and sophisticated look. The cabinets’ black onyx wood veneer fronts contrast beautifully with the marble countertop. A metallic tiled backsplash provides an unexpected yet welcome touch of bling. Wood veneers: Briggs Veneers.
A solid wood staircase against a stone accent wall connects the two floors. The architect designed and detailed the stairway specifically for this project. The treads, which appear to float, are fixed to the wall with concealed metal brackets.
Concrete floor is used throughout. It was polished with a special finish and ties in beautifully with the stone accent walls and wood ceilings. Wood acoustic panels on the ceilings lend natural warmth to the living, dining and kitchen areas. Furniture: Space Furniture.
The furniture and finishes were chosen with simplicity, clean lines and elegance in mind.
Door to the kitchen and deck.
Contemporary outdoor shower after a nice swim.
Beautiful patio idea for a beachfront property.
Mid level? Cool idea.
Ensuring that each of the bedrooms had views looking out to the beach posed a bit of a design challenge. In order to make this possible, the bedrooms on the ground level are elevated [1½ feet] above the level of the living area, to enable views out over the living areas and furniture.
Each area of the house is carefully considered and planned to maximize space and, even more important, to take full advantage of the location and its stunning views of Wategos Beach. The form of the house is a folded S shape. The house is designed in such a way that gives each of the bedrooms, living, dining and kitchen areas beach views. This layout also allows sea breezes to flow through the house, keeping the occupants cool throughout the summer.
A stylish, comfortable, and enjoyable contemporary home constructed from concrete, stone, and wood, with clean lines that complement its natural surroundings. It is simple and free of add-ons such as flashings, and represents a timeless, modern piece of architecture.
A stunning contemporary two story Byron Bay seaside property that could function as two separate, self-contained living spaces.
Balance moody walls with colored furniture and art.
Viewing electricity as a precious resource to save for appliances that really need it, young French company Coldinnov asked the question: To make cold, why don’t we collect waste heat from, for example, car mufflers or industry kilns? From this basic premise, Coldinnov is developing a process to create cold using waste heat without electricity or compression.
Q