Archives for March 2014

House Zig-Zags to Fit Oddly-Shaped Footprint

Zig-Zag-HouseHow would you like it if someone took the tiny amount of free space between your home and the neighbors’ and crammed an absurdly-shaped structure into it, filling virtually every square inch? That might seem rude in many places, but in Japan, where residential plots are tiny and houses are built to the very edges to maximize the space, it’s not unusual to see neighborhoods where nobody really has a ‘yard’ at all. In this case, Kyoto-based architecture firm Alphaville came up with a very creative solution to an awkwardly shaped plot of land between existing homes.

 

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The zig-zagging ‘House Twisted’ features a narrow design that snakes between several traditional homes. You might think this would result in everybody staring awkwardly into each others’ windows, but the home was designed to place windows and doors only in spaces where they wouldn’t look directly onto neighboring residences.

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Three openings at the porch, kitchen and courtyard are oriented to face the interior at 45 degree angles to let in light without sacrificing privacy. Skylights flood the all-white interior with daylight. As narrow as the home appears from the outside, the interior has a surprisingly spacious feel thanks to a minimalist approach and high ceilings.

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The three main staggered shapes that make up the house leave just enough room for two outdoor spaces facing the windowless walls of the neighboring houses, resulting in a feeling of privacy and sanctuary despite the cramped conditions.

Read more: http://dornob.com/twisting-house-zig-zags-to-fit-oddly-shaped-footprint/#ixzz2xH4HHZYJ

How to Moonwalk in 5 Simple Steps

Well it’s Sunday, so it seems like this would be a good idea right?! Mashable is a great place to fine almost anything.

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Say No To Boring Shower Heads

Fotor03251124351The obvious objective of taking a shower is to cleanse your body. But, if you’re like me, you know the shower is also a time to enjoy 10-15 minutes of relaxation and thought. There seemingly is nothing that can interrupt this small brake in time. That’s why, having a shower head that you love is really important.  I’ve found a few that are on my wishlist, check them out below. What would be your ideal shower head?

1. 90 Degree Chrome Eco-Performance Rain Shower Shower Head

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With ultra–modern styling, the 90 Degree collection is a study in minimalism. Geometric forms, squared corners and straight lines create an urban focal point for today’s contemporary baths. (Moen)

2. WaterTile®

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WaterTile bodysprays lie virtually flush to the wall and can be placed almost anywhere. This square 54-nozzle configuration delivers a relaxing spray for a soothing hydrotherapy experience. (Kohler)

3. Symbol®

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Inspired by nature, this Symbol multifunction handshower brings a fluid, organic design to your bathroom. It provides four distinct sprays, including an all-encompassing wide spray, an invigorating massage spray to help ease aches and pains, a gentle aerated spray, and a water-conserving reduced-flow spray. (Kohler)

4. Moxie

Your music. Your shower. Your time. To chill out. To sing. Refresh. Energize. Escape. The Moxie shower head + wireless speaker delivers up to 7 hours of music, news and more by pairing wirelessly with your device enabled with Bluetooth® technology. (Kohler)

5. Pegasus Sunflower 4 in. Dual Showerhead

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Twin 4 inch Sunflowers are made of solid brass with 360 degree swivel brass ball joints. It features a long extension arm with 2 elbows for more space reach and flexibility operation. (Home Depot)

Honda Smart Home US

 

Pure Genius Hardwood Flooring: Purifies Your Air

pure geniusThe trappings of modern home life tend to come with some rather distasteful side effects, like the carcinogens that can be released from certain synthetic materials for the entire life of the products. Lauzon Distinctive Hardwood Flooring has come up with a seriously genius way to make our homes safer: floors that act as air purifiers.

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lauzon air purifying hardwood floors

Many of us already have purifiers in our homes, but they can be noisy, intrusive, and downright ugly. The Pure Genius line of purifying hardwood floors is activated by light and actively filters out harmful elements to turn them into harmless molecules. According to the manufacturers, the smart flooring can make indoor air up to 85% cleaner.

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The intelligent flooring works using a patented system involving titanium dioxide. The flooring takes in molecules of mold, airborne viruses and bacteria, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), then releases them as harmless, breathable air. After just 30 days with Pure Genius flooring, a home’s formaldehyde levels can be reduced to six times lower than the typical home.

Read more: http://dornob.com/hardwood-flooring-purifies-your-air-beautifies-your-home/#ixzz2wzGF4tdx

6 Moving Hacks You Should Know [video]

Screen Shot 2014-03-24 at 9.15.52 AMI’ve had my share of bad moving experiences and can say, with some authority, that these six moving hacks are actually pretty helpful. Take a look:

What A Million Dollars Buys In U.S. Cities

million dollar homeHave a million dollars burning a hole in your pocket and want to know where where you get the most house (square feet) for your money?

Look for your  dream home with this infographic from Slate and spread out in high-style in Detroit, the biggest bang for your buck, or settle for less in scenic San Francisco. While New York ranks lower, when only the median prices in Manhattan are taken into account, prices skyrocket to a mind-blowing $1,538 per square foot.

 

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Which NHL teams rely on their top 3 scorers?

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The Best Temperature for Your Home

 

How often do you find yourself hanging out with somebody who won’t think twice about keeping their air conditioning blasting hot or cool air? It’s as if being temporarily uncomfortable would be the worst thing that could happen that very instant. Deciding to adjust the thermostat every 15 minutes is justifiable if a person is being considerate for their sick pet, or if their arts & crafts media are melting. If it’s purely for convenience, and done so as to not upset their complacent keel, then that’s not cool, man. Well, maybe except for the days of extreme heat in the summer. It can be a grueling feat to endure come bedtime, in more densely populated locales.

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