realities:united (realU), a studio for art, architecture and technology is a company founded by brothers Tim Edler and Jan Edler. They work with all sorts of clients but their architectural work is very cool and unique, focusing on incorporating bold media applications. My favorite work by realities:united to date is their Open the House concept, but their most offbeat structures, in my opinion are their light-minded structures.

Such as the BIX / Kunsthaus in Graz concept: An awesome array of 930 fluorescent lamps integrated into the eastern Plexiglas facade of the Kunsthaus Graz. (see top image and image below). This unique light wall is worth a visit to the Kunsthaus Graz no matter the exhibit. Although, right now I believe they’ve got Life? Biomorphic Forms in Sculpture going on, so visiting now could be fun.

The other light concept I really like by realities:united is the soon to be “Architectural Advertising Amplifier” (A.Amp.) in Singapore. realities:united is working with WOHA architects on the A.AMP project. This is another light exterior project; done with a large scale matrix of over 500 full color LED lights.

Explained at realities:united, “As the daytime office use slowly fades out the windows of any evacuated office cells are covered by computer controlled blinds transforming the outer surface of the building step-by-step into a large screen display. The image is generated by individual LED light “projectors” which are placed behind the curtain wall glass facade along Selegie Road and which project back against the inner façade of the building.a façade design was developed, which combines the conventional functionality of an office glass façade (and a decent daytime appearance) with a spectacular dynamic communication format at nighttime.”

Just a brilliant display. Don’t you think?

You can see a great A.AMP video here. Learn more about these and other cool projects at realities:united. I’d hit Open the House first.

[Images via realities:united]

Post from: Blisstree

The Bright Designs of realities:united

That said, I was recently offered a guest post from the bloggers over at the newer, but cool ChicTip.com. I like the blog, I like the bloggers, and I like when good new design blogs emerge, hence, a guest post from them. Also, I like their about page, which notes, “We feature stores, products, artists, reviews, sales, contests announcements, trends-in-the-make and more. Because this isn’t just a blog, it’s a community – for designers seeking inspiration, and for amateur design enthusiasts. This is a place where we can all come together, sharing our ideas, tips, and questions with like-minded people.” Which is totally my thinking about blogs – open, friendly, old-school community, and not snobby at all. Very nice.

Today I thought we’d look at ChicTip a little closer. They have some great posts so far and are worth a visit. Such as…

Foscarini – Modern Outdoor Lighting

Modern Menorahs – Our Top 5 List

They even make nice inspiration boards – which rocks. I like this one above: Back to The 50s – Inspiration Board

ChicTip has design tips, eco-design, furniture, materials, and even a few kid and green decor items I hadn’t heard of yet (impressive since I blog kid and green decor all over the darn web). I recommend you hit them up and see all their goodies.

[images via ChicTip.com]

Post from: Blisstree

New Design Blog Worth Visiting – ChicTip.com

Pretty cool. It reminds me a little of Dick & Jane’s House. Visit Colorful House in Russia to see more images of this nicely panted house.

It’s the Blogtoberfest icon! Which means a super keen (and secret) prize is hidden behind this special blog post. If you want to win the great prize that I’m hiding, simply leave a comment on this post. A totally easy way to win a prize. Within a week, the winner of the hidden prize will be announced here at Offbeat Homes, so check back often.

Other ways to win a prize! You have lots of chances to win great Blogtoberfest prizes? Today, October 6th, there are secret special prizes hiding at the following Lifestyles Channel blogs: Tree Hugging Family, Simply Thrifty, Blog Fabulous, Drinks After Dark, Mother Earth’s Garden, Thrifty Mommy, Chocolate Bytes, Foodie Obsessed, Keeping the Castle, and Our One Heart. Visit all of these blogs, look for the blogtoberfest icon on a post, and leave a comment for your chance at another great prize.

Good luck and happy blogtoberfest!

[House image via -Flickzzz-]

Post from: Blisstree

What to do with all your tiny bits of leftover paint…

WOW. It’s almost shocking against that blue sky.

Can you rent this house? Does someone nutty own it? Where the flip is it located? All of these answers await you at this post: The Bright Red House on Craggy Island (ok, so the title gives location away, still, you’ll want to read the post). The blog I saw this at, Giornale Nuovo is no longer being updated, but it’s still a neat place to visit, with lovely art posted.

[images via Giornale Nuovo]

Post from: Blisstree

The Little Red House

I can see where this might be a cool idea, but the true blue color is throwing me. I’m not a true blue fan. I like softer, way darker, or more earthy blue tones. This blue is too much (and too blunt) for a structure.What do you think?

Still, you gotta give them props for the indented entry – which you can see up close here.

[house image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Blisstree

Random stock photo house – not snow

I love this house. Love how it was captured on film. AND I especially love the colors.

You will love it too – but you’ll have to leave me to go see it (copyright, and no time for permission issues.) Yeah, I get impatient. Also, there’s more cool stuff to see at this blog, so it wouldn’t kill you to go look.

See the house!

You can thank me later. Or now if you so choose

Post from: Blisstree

Who loves this house?

[Reversible Destiny Lofts]

This work is complicated and has the intent of being a, “Living space that in every way both prods and coaxes its residents to continue living for an indefinitely long period of time.” It’s an interesting theory for sure; you can read more about it here.

The new work, the Hotel Reversible Destiny is just as odd, just as colorful, just as full of unique shapes and designs, but a heck of a lot taller.

Daring, no? This space is complete with tubs, organic herb gardens, and the ability to hopefully help humans harmonize, produce, and value their life energy. Some spaces can do this, so it’s not too off the charts in my opinion. You can learn more by visiting Hotel Reversible Destiny. You can learn all about the ideals and methods behind this life expanding architecture at Architectural Body Research Foundation Arakawa + Gins. it’s well worth a visit, you’ll see designs beyond your wildest imagination.

[images via Architectural Body Research Foundation Arakawa + Gins]

Post from: Blisstree

Living spaces that extend your life

[images via 43 Places]

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Could your life use some color?

[Found at Utility Fog Blog - see all the random weirdness here if you dare]

Post from: Blisstree

Some home owner with WAY too much free time & paint did this…

How adorable, right?  It reminds me of some tiny Berkeley homes I saw on my last visit to the Bay area. I would so paint my house like this.

I found this home randomly at Lloyd’s Blog. His blog will get you all lusty for California and easy going architecture. Right now he’s got this post Two Small Creekside Cabins in California Canyon up that’s very cool. There’s much more to see too. Check it out.

Post from: Blisstree

Sweet Little Colorful Home