Interior Design, Design News and Architecture Trends

Blog

8City-South Korea’s New Mega-City To Rival Dubai And Macau

8City is not the subject of the new Star Wars movies, but South Korea’s plans for a gigantic $280 billion mega-city complex on the islands of Yongyu-Muui, next to Incheon International Airport. Believe it or not, what now is just a small fishing village off South Korea’s western coast, in 20 years now it will be unrecognizable. Covering 80 square kilometers (about 31 square miles), the mammoth new tourism hub is said to be the most ambitious project since the Egyptian pyramids onwards.

If the designers manage to complete this development until 2030 as they proposed, it would be the largest single architectural plans on the planet, which would dethrone the extravagant tourist mecca in the Middle East, Dubai, and would be three times bigger than the gambling heaven of Macau, a major tourism destination in China (which is approximately 28.2 square kilometers). As the vice chairman of EIGHTCITY Co., the developer of the project, said, “it will become the world’s top city that has the creativity of Dubai, convention centers and casinos of Las Vegas and Macau, as well as the shopping centers and financial hubs of Hong Kong and Singapore.” Impressive, isn’t it?

According to mass media, Korea’s latest project will be the new hot spot tourist destinations in the world, an all in one destination that will attract about 134 million tourists annually, taking into consideration that at the moment 5.7 million passengers pass through Incheon International Airport each year. This will create 930,000 new decent jobs in the services sector, providing a vibrant boost to the local economy. When it will be finished, it is expected that more than 350,000 people to reside in. Plans for the city include both leisure and travel facilities from luxury hotels, condominiums, shopping centres, casinos to theme parks, a water park, a 50,000-seat concert hall, a medical tourism-based “healing town” and a “hallyu town” introducing Korean entertainment, and even a Formula One racing track.

Symbolizing good fortune in Chinese culture, the number “8” is present both in the development’s name and architecture. The main landmarks of this mega-city will be the ‘Inner Circle’ – a “smart” tubular 14-kilometer building along the coast and the ‘Megastrip, which as 200 meters high, 880 meters wide and 3.3 kilometers long will be the world’s largest building. Housing facilities and tourist attractions, the Megastrip will have a gross surface area of 4.85 square kilometers, larger than Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 and also larger than the Boeing Everett Factory’s usable floor space.

Due to its “astronomical” scale and enormous budget, there are of course some questions about its economic feasibility and the posibility to come to fruition such a project. Incheon City officials announced the cost to be project to be around ₩300 trillion, or US$275 billion, the massive undertaking being expected to be financed by the city and both foreign and domestic investors. They say they have already attracted about $3.8 billion in investments. But that’s just only drop in the bucket considering the high ambitions and expectations.

Photos © 8CITY

February 19, 2013
Digital Alarm Clock Concept Integrating Music Player

We cannot remember when was the last time an alarm clock woke us, it seems an eternity since. A simple explanation is that no matter how aesthetically pleasant they are, most of them have those annoying repetitive songs that you start to hate them at some point in the morning. So our smarthphone became over time our best friend every morning which wakes us up with our favourite songs. We bet that there are many of you out there, who have choosen this more enjoyable option.

But reading about this digital alarm clock concept we share with you today, we may want to change our mind who knows. Thinking how to use an alarm clock more effectively, young product designer Sankalp Sinha has come up with an artistic alarm clock concept which takes a new modern aproach over traditional ones. Maybe inspired by people like us who want to wake up hearing their favourite song, Sankalp Sinha imagined this creative product called singNshock wants to be an alarm clock with integrating music player with mmc slot and an optional electric shock pulse feature.

We’re not sure it’s a good way to start your day with an electric shock pulse, it sounds quite crazy, but we definitely love the idea of a music player within it especially because it allows you to store music up to 32gb so that you can enjoy your favourite music everyday. singNshock has a modern minimalist look with a touchscreen on one side and in-built high quality speakers on the other side. It can be used also as a decorative item at night thanks to its LED illuminated side glasses for dim lighting. On top, it has a large aluminum coated button that once you press it in order to stop the alarm, it conducts an electric shock pulse of micro- volts triggering neurological functions. You can choose from six color options according to your taste or needs.

Photos © Sankalp Sinha

February 18, 2013
Contemporary Cloud-Like Furniture Collection by DIZAJNO

Inspired by the gentle shapes of the soft clouds floating over the country, designer Lubo Majer from DIZAJNO envisioned this original looking furniture collection entitled CIRRUS great for contemporary interior designs. Striking simplicity, curved shapes, pure white creates truly extravagant and trendy furniture designs. Cirrus collection fits people with exquisite tastes, that try to add a shade of unconventional in their lives. Perfect for various lounge and seating positions the white sofa comes in three models featuring virtually spontaneous composition elements highlighting the comfort and functionality of the object.

Visually pleasant, they are made of traditional upholstery composition with rigid OSB frame, sinuous spring system in the seat and backrest, and a flexible high quality PUR foam, which make them last a lifetime. The lovely round tables with safetly laminated mirror tops come to complete the extravagant collection and to create that dreamy, relaxing and comfortable place in your home. They can be purchased either in fabric or leather cover.

Photos © Marek Rehak

February 17, 2013
Interesting Hook Line Lamp by Pani Jurek

Hook Line is a quite interesting lamp with a lovely industrial look that adds originality even to the simplest setting. It is made by Polish designer Pani Jurek, who besides envisioning items for everyday use, where the interaction between users and objects is the main purpose, she has a special passion for lighting. When looking for creative and appealing lamps, few times we realize that it’s not necessary to have a particular complicated design to be unique and eye-catching.

Who have thought that a long colored rope, a glazed ceramic metal hook and a milk ball bulb will create together a simple but effective lamp for your everyday activities? Black, gray, beige, denim blue, raspberry red, any color you choose, Hook Line acts both as a decorative and a functional light. It features at least two suspension points to be used both as a central and wall lighting. The 3 meter length of the polypropylene rope allows for independent binding of unlimited visually stunning knots and tangles, whlist the steel hook accentuates the industrial character of the lamp. The milk bulb is included (E-27, Philips), but they are generally available in stores with lighting. How do do find it? Share your thoughts with us in our comment section.

Photos © Pani Jurek

February 17, 2013
Reading Lamp Design with High Intensity LEDs

Ottawa-based design service consultancy and producer of unique Canadian designs, The Federal, came up with this simple yet attention-grabbing reading lamp design that embellishes almost any type of space, lighting it up beautifully. With a modern minimalist appearance, this lovely lamp is a prototype of the reading light redesigned.

Designers replaced the conventional lightbulb with high intensity LEDs, changing not only the design of the lampshade, but also increase the amount of light dispersed. Looking at it, you’ll see that the light source isn’t visible anymore like in traditional lights, leading to a small base than usually comes with shaded table lamps and a much lighter appearance as well. The LEDs are very powerful, resulting also a nice circular light pattern. Take a look!

Photos © The Federal

February 16, 2013
Elegant Composite Doors For Your Home

Home is a place where we relax, spend time with the kids and essentially, spend most of our time away from work. Opulent furniture is the ultimate in luxurious living. Just as important as what is on the inside, it also pays to get the bets door for your home.
Your front door is the first thing guests see when they come over to your home. It’s also the first thing that greets you when you come home from a long day from work. Whether it’s impressing your guests or giving your family the best, installing high quality doors to your home is like the icing on the cake!

Purpose

Aside from the aesthetic purpose, high quality main doors are also very durable so they can withstand extreme weather protection and protect your home from the harsh elements. Moreover, luxury doors can provide homeowners with a sense of self-fulfillment. Owning them can show other people that you’re a successful person who has accomplished a lot in his life.

Materials

Luxury doors come in various materials. They can be made of mahogany, wrought iron, customized and carved western doors. Choosing the correct type will usually depend on what best matches the style of your entire house. Traditional paneled doors are still very popular in the market. However, most door manufacturers recognize the increased demand for contemporary doors. One of the most popular types of doors is composite doors.

Composite doors are single-leaf doors made of materials such as UPVC, fiberglass, and aluminum. These doors are filled with high density foam and may come in either solid or glass. These are not only elegant looking but are also made of to last for years because each door is composed of extremely durable materials. In fact, composite doors can withstand strong impacts and the threats of damage caused by the natural elements. If you’re going with an aluminum composite door, you can be sure it’s rust-proof and eco-friendly as well. Modern composite doors come in numerous designs and colors so you can definitely find one that’s specifically matches the style of your house.

Use

The use of composite door is not limited for exterior use. You may also install composite doors as your bathroom and bedroom doors. If you decide to go with a solid color like white, gray or black, you can make your door look even more appealing with the help of stylish doorknockers or knobs. Pick those that come in chrome, gold or black colors for a classic look.

For your main door, you may use one which has a glass on the upper half of the door. This is a practical option for people who want to be able to see the people who are knocking on their doors. This makes it safer for the homeowners as it will allow them to decide whether to open the door or not. The glass can be stained, glazed or patterned to make the door even more attractive. For your house numbers, choose matching colors with your doorknockers and knobs.

Unlike luxury wooden doors, composite doors are not prone to termite attacks. They are also resistant to weathering so you can be sure that they will last for years. Composite doors require minimal maintenance and attention. They may seem expensive at first but if you look at the long run, composite doors will save you a lot of money.

It doesn’t take much to care for composite doors. Because it’s made with very durable materials, composite doors are one of the strongest types of door styles there is in the market today. So the next time you are shopping for elegant yet hard-wearing door for your home, why not consider composite doors? It’ll make a perfect addition to your stylish home.

Jove Arthur is fascinated with beautiful doors. He believes that it takes great dedication and love to attain beauty in one’s craft d. He strives for perfection in whatever he does. That includes his work as Online Sales Manager at Door Emporium, which sells high-quality interior wood doors such as knotty alder doors and mahogany doors.

February 14, 2013
Tradition Meets Innovation- Lovely Handmade Seating by Kumeko

Looking for a cozy personal retreat for your everyday moments of relaxation? Here we show you “Snug”, a lovely handmade seating imagined by Prague-based Kumeko. Combining traditional handcrafted technique from grandparent with modern technologies, they designed a piece of soft furnishing with a unique and eye-catching shape, very comfortable and flexible. “Snug” is a perfectly functional seat like a shell which envelops the person within and can be set up practically anywhere in your home.

It consists of a fabric sleeve specially developed by Kumeko, that surrounds a soft inner cushion padded with yellow jersey tubes. To preserve the temperature inside the sleeve and makes the item durable, the tubes are wowen into the 100% wool felt and filled with polyurethane foam which creates and interesting 3D double-sided pattern. The “Snug” can support the user’s body in a variaty of different positions thanks to a belt integrated on the top of the sleeve. It comes in three sizes (S, M, L) and bright yellow and light grey colors combination, so if you’re interested in purchasing it, check their website for detailed information about prices and special offers.

Photos © Kumeko

February 14, 2013
Modern and Green Single Family Residence: Breezehouse in New York

One of Michelle Kaufmann’s iconic designs, Breezehouse is a beautiful single family residence for modern enthusiasts designed by the award winning architects and design team from Blu Homes, being the model of their first development in New York state. Recently completed in January 2013, Breezehouse offers an elegant and spacious indoor environment for a clean and simple living, harmoniously connected with wonderful indoor living and the natural landscape. With an exquisite sense of style embedded and eco-friendly features, the modern residence is something that might just catch your attention.

Like all the other model of houses designed by Blu Homes, the three-bedroom, three-bath dwelling is built with the highest green standards in mind, combining warm environmentally friendly materials, superior finishes, high ceilings, clean lines and plenty storage systems to create a delightful, light-filled indoor environment which is better ventilated, quieter and more energy efficient, and also be less destructive to the natural habitat. It’s open interior designs enable for spaces that feel larger than they are, which lead to smaller carbon footprint. Warm and inviting, the house features unique options including stunning Nanawall® (sliding glass walls) that opens onto the front and back courtyards. Their purpose is of course to increase airflow to the bedrooms and kitchen, and also the natural light.

An exquisite display of sustainably forested woods, used in defining the built-in cabinetry and heated floor, enhance the feeling of belonging right in the middle of the beautiful natural landscape. The interior is bright, minimalist arrangements, simple color palette with red accents and with a focus on functionality. Besides all its original features and decor details, one of the most exciting aspects of this residence is that it can be designed according to your preferences, lifestyle and budget. It can have optional additions like an elegant master suite with a luxurious walk-through closet and private sitting area, integrated staircase for all floor plans, and modules can be flipped or mirrored to orient the house to best suit your site and views. The unique use of steel for structure framing and advanced building technology make it possible for Breezehouse to withstand extreme weather conditions, making it suitable for almost anywhere in North America.

Photos © Blu homes

Project details:

Type: Residential -Single family residence
Location: Copake, New York, United States
Building status: built in 2013
Number of stories: 1
Site type: rural
Building area: 2420 sqft

February 14, 2013