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People and Places | |
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Kolumba Art Museum | |
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Bringing Sustainability and Urbanism Together | |
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Architectural Products Update |
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SystemX fluorescent lighting is a modular system designed by Ross Lovegrove for Yamagiwa. The basic X module is made of plastic and aluminum, with two 21-watt fluorescent lamps linked by rubber connectors. A single unit can be used alone or large areas can be covered with interconnected modules in a variety of configurations. Horizontal and vertical arrays are possible. The programmable system can control color temperatures for zones of illumination, including lightness and brightness with dimming options. An energy-efficient and unusual sculptural design solution for the office environment. |
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Tumbleweed Tiny House Company sells very compact ready-made houses and house plans. Design priority is given to light, warmth, energy efficiency, and proportion, while minimizing transitional areas and maximizing storage space. The "Tiny" homes range from 65 to 140 square feet (6 to 13 square meters), and are built as towable travel trailers on wheels. Pictured is the Weebee model, at 102 square feet (9 square meters). Plans are also available for the line of "Small" houses, which measure 251 to 837 square feet (23 to 78 square meters) and are designed to meet International Building Code. Workshops and free telephone support are available to support use of plans. |
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International plumbing product manufacturer Hansgrohe offers the Axor Citterio M collection of high-end kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio (with Toan Nguyen), the collection is characterized by slim, modern lines inspired by the city of Milan. Two products from the collection won International Forum (IF) Gold Awards in 2008: the showerpipe and the single-lever washbasin faucet. The tall model of the single-hole faucet (pictured), created for vessel-type sinks, won a "red dot: best of the best" award for outstanding design. |
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The Rainwater Hog is a modular rainwater storage tank. Designed by an architect as a durable, space-saving alternative to traditional rain barrels and cisterns, each module has a capacity of 51 gallons (195 liters). With dimensions of 71 by 20 by 9.5 inches (180 by 50 by 25 centimeters), these compact tanks can be installed in tight spaces, such as horizontally under decks or vertically against walls and fencing. Modules can be linked to store larger volumes of water. The high-density polyethylene is UV-stabilized and can withstand temperatures from 22 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit ( |
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Point Five Windows, recently acquired by Kolbe Windows & Doors, offers high-end window and door products for the luxury architectural market. Options include radius, bent, and oversize units, with an array of glazing possibilities. Using virtually any type of wood for construction, the exterior finishes include copper and bronze cladding, with a wide range of factory-applied patinas and matching European-styled hardware. Pictured: wood window clad in copper with matching muntin bars and shutters. Exterior pivot doors, bifold doors, and lift-and-slide doors are also available. |
