Located in Heidelberg, the Wave House is designed to be a new data center in the urban heart of Germany. Designed by SSV and Mense Korte, and built by Peri 3D Construction for the developer KrausGruppe, the Wave House was 3D-printed, adding an element of style and personality to the rather mundane arena of cloud-computing infrastructure. The end result is Europe’s largest 3D-printed building! The building measures 6600 sq ft and has a rather unique appearance, in an attempt to draw attention and make it unlike the typical 3D-printed structures we come across.

Designer: SSV, Mense Korte & Peri 3D Construction

“Due to the typical absence of windows and large openings in all or the main areas of data centers, for safety and other reasons, data centers tend to look quite dull and uninspiring,” said a press release by COBOD. “As long as such data centers are placed far outside the cities this problem is perhaps of less concern, but the trend towards making data centers more in the vicinity of the users and therefore locate them in suburban areas and cities has created a need to make the data centers more visually appealing.

This issue was resolved by imparting the walls with an innovative wave design, which also lends the building its name. The fascinating waves could not have been built using traditional construction methods, hence 3D-printed technology was adopted, to support creative and design freedom while producing the walls.

The construction process of the Wave House is similar to other 3D-printed projects we’ve come across. It was printed using a single COBOD BOD2 printer, the same model that has been utilized to build other 3D-printed buildings of importance. The printer extrudes a recyclable cement-like mixture in layers via a nozzle. This is done at a rate of 43 sq ft per hour to create the exterior walls which have a length of 177 ft, a width of 35 ft, and a height of 29.5 ft.

The entire printing process involved around 140 hours, after which, finishing touches were added to the project by humans. These touches include the doors, roof, lighting, as well as the wiring and gear needed for a data center well-connected to the internet. A robotic painter by Deutsche Amphibolin-Werke was utilized to paint the interiors of the building. How cool!

The post Wave-Shaped Data Center Is Europe’s Biggest 3D-Printed Building Constructed In Only 140 Hours first appeared on Yanko Design.

Bangladesh is quite prone to flooding, with about 80% of the country marked as floodplain. With a population of around 170 million, this is quite a severe and serious problem for the country. To serve as a solution to this issue, the Khudi Bari was designed. The Khudi Bari is a low-cost raised tiny home that has been created to serve as an economical and safe housing solution against the flooding problem. Designed by Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum and in collaboration with engineers AKT II, the Khudi Bari has been elevated above the ground and must be entered via a ladder.

Designer: Marina Tabassum

The home isn’t equipped with wheels, but it can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing it to be moved to a new location without the need for any special tools or expertise. This home will help the citizens of Bangladesh to evade the rising floodwater. Constructed from bamboo and prefabricated recycled aluminum nodes into which the bamboo is fitted, the humble home has an interior occupying around 64 sq ft to 144 sq ft. The walls and roof are locally sourced and built from materials such as metal and polycarbonate. The Khudi Bari includes one room, which includes space underneath, so you can expand it if the need arises.

The model home in the images is an installation in Vitra Campus, Germany. The Campus includes many stunning architectural designs including Renzo Piano’s Diogene. But the home isn’t simply a prototype, and 100 units have been delivered throughout Bangladesh already.

“It is an extremely low-cost, lightweight structure that can be assembled and dismantled by hand – without electricity or any other means of mechanical power,” said Vitra’s press release. “Marina Tabassum’s team has been building these houses in the chars [landmasses made from silt and sand] together with relief organizations and community groups, improving existential conditions for a vulnerable population living at the absolute minimum subsistence level. Over one hundred Khudi Bari have already been installed and more are yet to come.”

Currently, we aren’t aware of the exact pricing of the Khudi Bari, but AKT II said it is being produced for US$380, and they are trying to reduce the cost.

The post Elevated Tiny Home Is Designed As An Economical & Safe Solution To Bangladesh’s Flooding Problem first appeared on Yanko Design.

I am definitely a complete cat person, but I really cannot help adoring doggos at times! They are just so cute, not to mention insanely loving (a quality most cat owners aren’t used to witnessing in their pets). And as much as I love pampering my kittie cats with presents from time to time, I’m sure all dog owners feel the same. Ensuring your pet feels safe, secure, and comfortable at home is every pet owner’s priority. We want to make sure they always feel loved and truly at home! It’s important to create an environment where they feel completely safe to let their guard down, while also managing to stay active and playful. And, we’ve curated a collection of dog-friendly product designs that promise to do exactly that! These pet products will help turn your home into the ultimate safe haven for your dogs, allowing you to connect and bond with them better while ensuring they’re always comfortable.

1. Fetch House

Dubbed the Fetch House, and designed by CallisonRKTL, this unique-looking home offers shelter to one happy doggo. It features a modular internal structure that lets you compression-fit at least a 1000 tennis ball into it! You can randomly pluck out the balls from their individual enclosers to play fetch with your pet. And once your dog is done playing, you can press-fit the ball back into the dog house.

Why is it noteworthy?

If you like, you can add fewer balls and build patterns in the facade, or even form windows for ventilation and light. “Ultimately, we would like to create a platform that allows individuals to customize the doghouse design based on their specific dog,” says Brendan O’Grady, VP of CRKTL’s Dallas office. “They can then download the digital model and use a local maker space or their own desktop 3D printer to fabricate the structure.

What we like

• Unique and fun home for your dogs
• Easy access to balls, so you can play fetch with your pet whenever

What we dislike

• We’re unsure how to maintain and clean the dog house

2. ORo

Ogmen Robotics unveiled something super cool at CES 2024. It is an intelligent home robot that was designed from the ground up to be the “pawfect” guardian, playmate, and caretaker for your canine best friend. It looks like one of those robots on wheels that are intended for human use.

Why is it noteworthy?

ORo can provide physical, mental, and emotional stimulation through playful activities. It can help you keep track of the dog’s health, and even find out when they’re feeling anxious, and play some soothing music to help calm them down.

What we like

• Help owners train their dogs through obedience games and virtual training services

What we dislike

• Not sure how comfy dogs would feel with a robot, they could get aggressive or feel threatened

3. Clink Clicker

Named the Clink Clicker, this tiny gadget is perfect for training your doggo! The click combines clicking and the treats in one nifty design, so you need to hold and operate only one device while training your dog. The clicker looks like a typical clicker, but it is equipped with a sliding mechanism that holds treats for your doggo!

Why is it noteworthy?

Once you’re done training your dog, you need to press the clicker, and your doggy will come to you. You can feed him the treats then! The clicker features a tiny space for the treats, which is essentially a desiccant compartment that keeps the treats fresh even if you’re outdoors with your pet.

What we like

• Simplifies your training session with your pet
• Reduces the time spent on the training process

What we dislike

• The size of the clicker is quite small, so you need to take care to not misplace it

4. Precision-Crafted Pet Bowl

Called the Precision-Crafted Pet Bowl, this aesthetic-looking food bowl for your furry buddies isn’t just good-looking, it is functional too. Creativity and craftsmanship were combined to create a pet bowl that offers a delightful experience for all the members of your home. The bowl was designed to focus completely on the eating experience, making the “ease of eating” the main aim of the design, but doing so in a simple yet efficient manner.

Click Here to Buy Now: $349

Why is it noteworthy?

It is a stainless steel bowl that serves food at an angle of 20 degrees, making it easy for your pets to slurp on their food and eat it up, without spilling anything. At the same time, this makes life easier for humans, as they don’t need to keep cleaning up once their pets are done eating.

What we like

• Meets the needs of humans and pets alike
• The base is made of fine Japanese cypress wood

What we dislike

• Too easy for food to spill out

5. ROLA PetPal Robot

Raising pets isn’t an easy task and with busy schedules, it can be hard to be present for them all the time. This is where the Enabot ROLA PetPal robot comes in! The robot helps you and takes a load off your shoulders, especially if you’re not able to always give your pet what he/she needs. You can change what the robot does, by switching out the load it carries on its back!

Why is it noteworthy?

The ROLA PetPal resembles the popular disc-shaped robot vacuum cleaners. It features two wheels on the side and has a “face” on the front. It has a modular design and can switch from providing entertainment to exercise. You simply need to switch to the Interactive Toys module or the Treat Dispenser module.

What we like

• Keeps your doggos occupied with a playful stick, laser games, or rolling balls

What we dislike

• Pets may not take too well to the robot and may take some time to adjust to it

6. Dyson Pet Grooming Kit

Getting your pets neat and clean can be a tedious process, but something that cannot be avoided at all costs. If you want to break down and simplify your doggy’s cleaning process, then you may want to get your hands on the Dyson Pet Grooming Kit. This grooming kit works great for cats as well!

Why is it noteworthy?

Cats and dogs both tend to shed quite a bit, depending on their breed and the season. This grooming kit helps you handle the issue at its root, keeping your pets neat and tidy, while also ensuring you don’t need to run around constantly vacuuming and cleaning your house.

What we like

• Makes the after-bath ritual less hectic and more calming
• Comes along with an extension hose, which offers 3 feet of flexibility

What we dislike

• You need a Dyson vacuum cleaner to pair up with the accessories and use them

7. Wowo Multipurpose Furniture

Dubbed Wowo Multipurpose Furniture, this collection of furniture designs is intended for human kids and fur babies both! It includes furniture pieces with rounded and playful forms, as well as colorful hues that truly make them stand out. The shapes of the furniture designs are inspired by the mouth shape kids make when they say the word “wowo”.

Why is it noteworthy?

The designs feature a hollow structure, merged with “saturation color and mellow shape”, to create comfortable furniture products that are cozy for both kids and pets. Some of the seats are hallowed, creating space for your pets to sit in, and lounge about. This furniture collection serves as a harmonious space for your human kids, and pet kids!

What we like

• Works well for your kids and pets both
• The main components of the furniture are 3D-printed

What we dislike

• The collection seems to be a concept currently, so we are unsure how well it will translate as a real product

8. Cottage Dog House

This adorable little structure is called the Cottage Dog House! It is a minimalist dog house designed for your beloved pets. It features metallic elements, and eco-friendly felt coverings, creating a cozy little corner for your dog. It allows your pet to have a space of their own in their home, somewhere they can retire to and rest, without being disturbed. Although dogs aren’t too fussy, and they can get comfy anywhere, it is still nice to have a special space for them in your home.

Why is it noteworthy?

Designed by LSY and Jaeyeon Choi, this dog house is one-of-a-kind, as it serves as a comfortable haven using only a felt covering, and a pretty sturdy and durable build. Although the home is quite minimal and simple to look at it, it has a resilient build, and can handle your dog’s weight and sudden activity.

What we like

• Features an internal cushion that offers extra comfort for your canine buddy
• It has a removable roof to allow for an open-air sleeping area as well

What we dislike

• The aesthetics are a bit too simple and could have been worked upon

9. Maeve Pet Protection System

Say hello to the Maeve Pet Protection System – an innovative system by Tavo that lets you take your pet from your home to the car, and then to the final location with total ease. This system is a lifesaver when you need to take your pet to a dreaded vet appointment. It contains a carrier and a vehicle base for the carrier.

Why is it noteworthy?

The latest United Nations ECE child restraint standards were used by Tavo to provide the highest degree of safety and protection possible. With this protection system, you can travel with your pet in peace, knowing they are safe and secure.

What we like

• Ensures the ultimate safety and comfort while traveling for your doggo

What we dislike

• We’re not sure how easy to clean and maintain the system is

10. Hank Feed Bowl

This is the “Hank” Feed Bowl, and it is designed to help your doggo eat with ease. It features a maze pattern which ensures they don’t just gobble down their food in one go without raising their heads, as this can cause choking and clogging of the digestive tract. The feed bowl helps them eat in a better manner.

Why is it noteworthy?

Made from silicone, the bowl can be removed and cleaned easily, which should be done often. It is fitted inside a container with a cover, which keeps dust, dirt, and other unhygienic substances away from their food. The designer also says that the “working principle of the cover will automatically turn on” when it detects that your dog is nearby.

What we like

• Features a silicone strap, so you can carry it with you whenever you head out with your dog
• It resembles an adorable little toy

What we dislike

• It is a conceptual design, so we are unsure how functional it will be as a tangible product

The post 10 Best Dog Products to Keep Your Furry Friend Happy & Comfy first appeared on Yanko Design.

Set to open in 2029, an impressive underwater road and rail tunnel is being constructed in Europe! Dubbed the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, it will connect Germany and Denmark, crossing around an 11.2-mile stretch of the Baltic Sea. The Fehmarnbelt runner or the Fehmarn Belt fixed link is being constructed by Femern A/S, Rambøll, Arup, and TEC. It is set to be the world’s longest-immersed tunnel, and the world’s deepest-immersed tunnel with road and rail traffic. In these claims, it is important to focus on the ‘immersed’ bit, since there are longer undersea tunnels like the Channel Tunnel. But despite that, this is still a really exciting and extraordinary project!

Designer: Femern A/S, Rambøll, Arup and TEC

When the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel is completed, it will connect Rødbyhavn in Denmark and Fehmarn in Germany. It is set to be the shortest route between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. People will have the option to take a seven-minute train journey or a ten-minute car drive across the Fehmarn Belt, instead of the forty-five-minute ferry. To build the expansive tunnel, 360,000 tonnes of rebar will be required, which is almost 50 times the weight of the Eiffel Tower’s metal structure. The site on the Danish section is the size of around 373 soccer pitches, and nearly 70 vessels were needed to dredge up the tunnel trench. As a whole, about 12 million cubic meters of soil was dredged up from the seabed.

As you can see the tunnel is truly something to reckon with, and it will include 79 standard and 10 special sections. The standard sections will weigh around 73,000 tonnes, with a length of 217 m, and a width of 42m, and a height of 10m. The special sections will be more compact and will be half the length of the standard sections. Although, the width and height will be a little more. The tunnel portions will be first cast on land and then floated into place with the help of a barge. After which they will be submerged, and firmly positioned on the seabed at a depth of 40m.

Such a mighty project will require a mighty budget to back it up. Currently, the budget for the Fehmarnbelt tunnel is around DKK8.4 billion or around US$1.2 billion. The first section of the tunnel was inaugurated by Denmark’s King Frederik X, and it will be sunk soon.

The post The World’s Longest Immersed Tunnel Is Set To Connect Germany & Denmark In 2029 first appeared on Yanko Design.

In sci-fi movies and TV shows, we’ve seen houses or structures built on other planets and on the moon. That’s probably still decades away from actually happening but it doesn’t mean that we can’t start dreaming about it. And those that are actually involved in space things are doing more than just dreaming, they’re actually testing things out to prepare for the possibility. And now we’re getting the first tiny steps into thinking how we can build homes for the astronauts on the moon.

Designer: European Space Agency

The scientists at the ESA have come up with space bricks, similar to the LEGO bricks that a lot of them (and a lot of us) love. The idea is to explore whether the materials found on the moon can actually be used to build houses and other structures. It makes sense to use what’s already there rather than bringing over building materials from earth. The surface there has layers of rocks and mineral fragments called lunar regolith. Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of that material here on Earth to actually play around with.

What the scientists did is to grind up 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite (which was found in North Africa 20 years ago) and mix them with some polylactide and regolith stimulant. The mixture was then used to 3D print some bricks in the style of LEGO. Since this is from meteorite, it only comes in “stylish space grey” color. With these bricks, they can test creating some small-scale structures to play around with the possibility of eventually using regolith to build houses on the Moon.

Some of the ESA space bricks will be displayed at selected LEGO stores so kids (and maybe adults) can play around with it. They want to encourage kids to become interested in space and build their own LEGO Moon bases. Seeing bricks that have billions of years materials on it seems like a pretty interesting experience if there’s a LEGO store near you.

The post ESA’s LEGO-like space bricks made from meteorite dust explore building houses on the Moon first appeared on Yanko Design.

Designed by NU Architectuur Atelier, the Green Ark is located in the center of Belgium’s Meise Botanic Garden. The structure is an extremely sustainable visitor pavilion on the grounds of the Bouchout Castle in the Flemish Brabant. It is part of an impressive project that aims to extend 7600 sq m of greenhouses in the heart of the site. It is built from Kebony Clear wood, forming a lattice structure that is truly a wonder to look at. The rather dramatic and sophisticated-looking structure is located right in the middle of the 92-hectare conservatory.

Designer: NU Architectuur Atelier

The Meise Botanic Garden is supposed to be one of the largest conservatories in the world that looks after endangered plant species. The project is intended for restoration, and it includes 22 of the Garden’s greenhouses. The greenhouses are focused on different environments and some of the activities on the site include education and conservation. With the Green Ark, the architectural firm has designed a dramatic and impressive pavilion in one of the newly restored conservatories. It provides visitors with educational experiences, allowing them to learn more about the endangered plants.

The structure features a curved roof of Kebony wood shingles which look like scales! The shingles seem to gently cascade down the curved sides, creating quite an interesting visual. The interior of the pavilion features a wooden structure elevated on a concrete frame and paired up with a glazed ground floor. The glazed floor allows a glimpse into the surrounding glasshouses.

The Kebony wood was an integral part of the pavilion’s structure. The company is being acknowledged for its ‘modified wood’ process, which involves a faster growth rate of softwood and a special technique that merges wood with furan polymers to provide increased solidity and stability. Kebony’s softwood is a sustainable option when it comes to carbon capture and sourcing. The Green Ark is also designed to recycle rainwater through the shingled roof. The remaining portion of the roof serves as a flat structure that offers views into the surrounding greenhouses.

The post Garden Pavilion For Plant Conservation Is Made Using A Modified Softwood That Is As Good As Hardwood first appeared on Yanko Design.

When visiting a museum that’s located next to a body of water, probably the next thing you think of after you’ve completed your tour is: “Hmmm, it would be nice to have a relaxing time at a sauna”. Well, that’s if you’re tired after going around the museum. If you visit the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, you will get the chance to do just that.

Designer: Estudio Herreros

Trosten is a floating sauna that you can find in the fjord next to the museum as both are designed by Estudio Herreros. The idea is to bring saunas closer to the people and make it sustainable and accessible as well. They were inspired by architectural follies but aside from it being aesthetic, the structure is still also highly functional but with a “distinct volume and silhouette with a strong, colorful component”.

The sauna’s main structure is actually constructed offsite and then placed on the prefabricated floating concrete platform. It’s made with aluminum cladding with a green tone to give off a calm and relaxing vibe, combining it with the usual wooden decking you see on saunas with large terrazzo tiled surfaces plus steel balustrades and netting. Outside there’s stepped seating so users can also sunbathe before or after using the sauna. Inside there are lockers and seating spaces and inside the sauna itself you get stepped wooden seating.

At the back, there’s also a sheltered seating space and you can access the fjord from here if you want to cool off. Since this is a sustainable structure, you get an energy system and a steam recirculation system and use of natural and recycled materials. It would be nice to heat up and cool off at something like this after a long day of exploring the museum and nearby places.

The post Floating sauna beside museum is accessible and sustainable first appeared on Yanko Design.

Designed by Evergreen Homes Australia, the Grevillea is a great housing option for families, as it can accommodate up to five people, although it may be a tight fit. The home features a clever space-saving layout that includes three bedrooms as well as a well-designed kitchen. All these features have been snugly fit into a length of 8.4m. The home is named after an evergreen tree and is founded on a triple-axle trailer.

Designer: Evergreen Homes Australia

Equipped with a black metal exterior and timber accenting, the home has a stylish matte finish to it. It features a glass door that leads you to a compact living room equipped with a small sofa and a wood-burning stove. The interior of the home is quite light and spacious. Generous glazing and high ceilings add an airy vibe to the home. Tiny nooks and smart shelving help in maximizing the storage space within the home. The kitchen is positioned next to the living room, and it is pretty well-stocked. The home includes a two-burner propane-powered stove, fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher, a full-size electric oven as well as a sink. The kitchen also contains a seating area with stools and a breakfast bar for two. The breakfast is amped with a pull-out table area.

The master bedroom is located next to the kitchen, and it has plenty of headroom to stand upright since it is positioned downstairs. The bedroom features a queen-sized bed, with a bathroom placed on the opposite side of the home. The bathroom houses a full-sized shower, composting toilet, and vanity sink.

The post With Three Bedrooms, This Tiny Home Is A Comfy & Cozy House For A Family Of Five first appeared on Yanko Design.

Called Reflections, this idyllic holiday home by Okno Modhomes is tucked away in the midst of a jungle in Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India. The tranquil home with a fascinating mirrored facade is the ultimate haven in nature, away from the chaos of city life. Occupying 300 square feet, the contemporary-style home is protected by a lush canopy of newly planted and old trees. It is designed to be a space where humans and nature can co-exist in peace, functioning as a thoughtfully designed and sustainable architectural structure. The home was constructed to have as little an impact as possible on the surrounding environment. The interesting mirrored facade beautifully complements the lush green environment, while the metallic and wooden elements add a modern yet earthy touch to the home.

Designer: Okno Modhomes

As you enter the home through a quaint entryway, you are welcomed into a raised living area that seems to be floating amidst the trees. Expansive views and the noise of the outdoors highlight the deck which allows residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the woods. The home features an open-plan living area which perfectly merges the indoor and outdoor spaces. This area is the highlight of the home. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow impressive glimpses of the surrounding greenery. This living area then harmoniously connects to the outdoor deck with a hot tub, and a cozy lounge area, which is great for admiring views and staring at the stars in the night sky.

As you explore further, you are welcomed by a comfortable bedroom amped with stunning views of the forest. Natural materials were utilized, including soft textiles and organic wood finishes to uplift this space, imparting it with an elegant yet warm touch. The bedroom features a motorized sliding bed which offers a chance to partake in some stargazing.

“The mirrored exterior of Reflections not only creates a striking visual effect but also serves a functional purpose,” said Okno Modhomes. It reflects the natural surroundings, reducing the visual impact of the structure and helping it blend into the landscape. The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems ensures that Reflections is as gentle on the environment as it is on the eyes,” the firm concluded.

The post Luxury Meets Sustainability In This Mirrored Holiday Home In The Forests Of India first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dubbed the Garden Pavilion, and designed by BYRÓ architekti, this cozy retreat looks like a simple little shed when you first look at it. However, located on a garden plot in Prague, the home is equipped with a clever space-saving layout. The retreat’s front-facing facade can be raised, opening up the cabin to the outdoors! How cool is that?!

Designer: BYRÓ architekti

The pavilion was constructed on the foundation of what was once an old wooden cottage. Greenhouses and other small cottages are located next to it, which function as storage spaces for gardeners. The retreat was designed to merge with its surroundings while allowing the residents to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the greenery.

“We thought about how to connect the building as closely as possible to the surrounding garden, and we ultimately came up with the idea of a folding panel that allows one side of the house to completely open,” said BYRÓ architekti. “This way, the interior seamlessly transitions to the outdoors, with the garden penetrating the building, creating a kind of paraphrase of a garden loggia, which was our fundamental architectural inspiration. When open, the polycarbonate wall also functions as an outdoor roof, expanding the covered space where one can stay during rainy weather. The panel folding mechanism consists of steel cables, pulleys, and counterweights, making it easy for one person to open the entire facade.”

The retreat occupies a minimal footprint and measures 3 x 5 m. It has a finish of charred wood which was created using the traditional Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban. This technique involves burning wood to preserve the home and keep bugs at bay. The interior of the home is 20 sq m, and it features two floors which have been designed like a tiny home. The ground floor includes an open living area which has plenty of shelving for books and CDs. It also contains a dining table and seating.

The upper floor can be accessed via a fixed wooden ladder and this section doesn’t have to have a lot of headspace. This floor includes the bedroom – some shelving, a double bed, and a skylight. The retreat doesn’t contain a bathroom, which is quite inconvenient, but also implies that it may not be intended for long stays. The Garden Pavilion is better suited for spending time during the day, or for an occasional overnight trip.

The post This Little Cabin In Prague Features A Facade That Can Be Lifted Up To Open It To The Outside first appeared on Yanko Design.