Built in the late 1700’s by Abraham and David Roentgen, this amazing secretary cabinet was owned by King Frederick William II of Prussa. Yes, it is beautiful but what I really like is the gadgetry it contains… You have to check out the hidden compartments and the amazing mechanism used to expose its secrets. The home of the cabinet is in the Kunstgewerbemuseum in Berlin but often is part of a traveling exhibit, most recently shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New york.
Feb
The Nest Thermostat
Our thermostat died and man it was cold! I decided to install the ‘Nest’. It is beautifully crafted and easy to install and use. It connects to your wi-fi and will send you email reports, let you control it via your phone and more! Below is a quick video of the install and my impressions.
Feb
Flat Pack Timelapse
Jean Prouve designed this (and other) flat-pack houses in the 1940’s. The Maison Demontable was intended to be used in French colonies in Africa. Only 3 were built – this one survived and even today still can be assembled as intended. I love the center structural element. Take a look!
Source: core77
Jan
Typical Morning this Winter!
I thought I would share a little video of what seems to be a morning ritual happening twice a week this winter. How does this relate to design and architecture? – Umm… reconnecting with nature, fresh air, confirming the Midwest work ethic? Not sure but it has to be done! I hope everyone is staying warm and enjoying the season wherever you are!
Plowing from michael huber architects on Vimeo.
Jan
More then a Craftsman
Beautiful and inspirational story about a man finding his way in the world using woodworking as a guide. Eric Hollenbeck created the Blue Ox School to help children at risk, and himself. Worth a watch.
Jan
Modern Homes in Film
James Munn pulled together a variety of movie clips showcasing modern residential architecture as sets. Some homes you may recognize, others maybe not… Very fun to see how design can add to the story (and in some cases steal the show!).
DESIGN IN FILM THE MODERN HOUSE – UPDATED from James Munn on Vimeo.
Dec
Nov
The Voice Array
Wow -this may bug the heck out of your eyes but I think the thought that went into it is pretty cool. You say something that then is heard alone and then with everyone who went before you. The sound is also transmitted as an LED flash on a wall. Check it out.
“Voice Array” at MCA Sydney (2011) by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer from bitforms gallery on Vimeo.
Source: Lozano-Hemmer
Nov
Podcast #37 – Spray Foam Insulation
It had been a while since my last video discussion with Scott Glowe of St Croix Insulation. We are specifying more and more spray foam insulation in our projects and thought it would be great to have a conversation with Scott about the product. Some off the things we discuss are:
-What is spray foam insulation?
-How does it compare to other types of insulation?
-How is it applied and in what applications?
-What are the costs and benefits of spray foam insulation?
Feel free to contact Scott through his website or via email at scott@stcroixinsulation.com
Icynene website
Please subscribe to these podcasts also via iTunes. Search for the title Design and Other Fun Stuff.
Oct
Shoveling & Clean Water
The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization is a past Client and are experts in everything water. With winter on the way, they have put this video together on tips to keep salt and other pollutants out of our streams and rivers. Great information!
Oct
Project Update – Before & After
Some friends that I hadn’t been in touch with for 20 some years searched me out to help them remodel a home they just purchased. I love it! Besides the fun of reconnecting, they were looking to transform a basic stock house into a modern styled home. We kept the same shape and bones of Read More…
Oct
3D… or is it?
Is this a flat plane or a hole into a different realm? You know how I love to share videos of things I think are cool. This is one of those. Projecting video presentations on whiteboards is nothing new but…take a look!