I guess the Dutch are really into converting and renovating old non-residential structures into dwelling places. First the old church, and now this old water tower. Check out the pics and click to enlarge...
via Materialicio.us"The decline in church attendance over the last several decades has meant that countless churches across the Netherlands have lost their function. A dutch firm named Zecc has converted an old chapel into an apartment, carefully respecting and enhancing the character of the original building. "
Before... 
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Thoughts?
If you're not into camping out in the local IKEA, you may want to try one of these sexy treehouses. When I was a kid, we spent countless hours in the woods building "forts." It truly was a sad day when we went out into the woods and they were gone and I don't just meant the multiple forts we had built.... the woods were gone too. Bulldozers had come in to make room for our subdivision expansion. I still haven't gotten over it. But I can't imagine how I would have felt if we had built something as grand as these 3 Treehouses. Check it out...
If an original VW Bug was worth one good lick on your sibling's arm and a convertible worth two, then you better break out the gloves when you see this thing coming down the road. Designer Alexandre Verdier introduces the new Westfalia Verdier Solar Power. The award winning design offers several innovations such as a system of intelligent solar panels called "Sun Tracker." This system makes it possible to provide electricity to the on-board accessories while the vehicle is in a stationary position. An on-board computer and a GPS calculate the optimal position for the Sun Tracker. Inside, the passenger seat is transformed mechanically into stairs, so that the second stage area can be easily reached. Of course, in the age of digitalization, your wonderful outdoor nature adventure wouldn't be complete without a multi-media computer with wireless Internet connection. This interface gives you a weather optimized travel plan so that you can follow the sun, historical and ecological comments during the trip, and a directory of campgrounds. All of this technological hippie love can be yours for $69,000. With that price tag, I don't think the Scooby-Do gang will be rolling in one of these anytime soon.
We like to customize everything. From ordering your trendy one-of-kind latte to creating your own shoes through Puma's Mongolian Shoe BBQ, we want the ability to mark our stuff with our own brand. Now you can take that expensive new Christmas gift like your MacBook or iPhone and pimp it out with your own stamp of personality. Engrave is a Portland based laser-engraving company that is taking their business online. Depending on the unit, it will cost you somewhere between $25 and $150. The results are beautiful in my opinion and it doesn't void your warranty since the modification is only cosmetic.
The past month we've written about finding your own personal "white space" where you think most creatively and effectively. In addition to Cloud, check out this intimate personal space designed by Michael Jantzen called M-velope. The designer has "created a place for us to go and be fully enveloped in quietness and stillness. The M-velope was designed as a place to go for personal meditation. The structure is made to create the perfect space for the individual’s desire. It can be moved and transformed into many different shapes by moving the hinged panels to an opened or closed position. The flooring of the M-velope is 8 ft.sq. and the height can be as much as 12 ft. high, depending on how the panels are folded. Inside of the M-velope there are benches with backrests that can comfortably seat at least 8 people. The M-velope can be easily transported and does not require a foundation for it to be set up. If more space is desired, more than on M-velope can be connected together."
via Yanko Design
I was checking out designer Monica Förster's newest product LOAD and I came across some previous work and was totally captured by Cloud: "A portable inflatable meeting room in white ripstop nylon. Floor in greengrey colour. Bag, with fan in greysilver sound-decreasing textile contains room when deflated." This one definitely has my vote for the ultimate "white space."
I love hammocks but getting in and out of them requires the kind of prowess and nimbleness of a ninja. The last time I was in a hammock was in Orlando a few years back and Maria and I kept trying not to fall out. It took great skill and effort. That's why I'm loving this new hammock by designers Pinar Yar & Tugrul Govsa. "Leaf is the new luxury in hammock design. This hammock is made out of plastic material used for support, and a woven area to help support the body. This allows for total relaxation and creates a sense of confidence as you lay down to get into the hammock-the fear of falling out is no more. The beauty of the design allows for Leaf to be used outside as well as inside the home."
Puma is offering four limited edition bikes for the holidays. One of each is available at the Puma Black store in New York and also in Tokyo. There is a green road bike, a black touring bike, a blue cruiser and a pink BMX with silver accents. There's a host of other accessories to go along with your new purchase of course. And if you can't score one of these limited editions, you can always head over to the online Puma store and grab their collapsible 8-speed for a mere $1600. I like silver. Thanks Santa.
My good friends, Patrick Webber and Steven Lambert of Only50/Society Style are now over at Behance: THE network for creative portfolios, projects, and collaborations. Check out the latest work or better yet, order a limited edition tee for a loved one or yourself this holiday season.
Wow... that's a lot of link love in one post. Check 'em all... you'll be glad you did.
Sometimes we just want to escape and get some relaxation and privacy. A book is one of my favorite way to get "lost." Designer Sakura Adachi has made it a little easier for all of us. Introducing: Cave. The bookshelf is large enough to be used as a divider. Books may be stored on both sides of the bookcase with a cave crawlspace in between. Available in two sizes: Children and Adult. I only wished it came in a darker wood.
