The idea is a good one. To save miles of footprints, why not simply move folks up onto billboard platforms? They’re already plentiful. They’re already in major residential areas. They’d cost less than those choice city real estate options.

I’d be a little freaked one might blow right over. It’s not the house integrity I’d be worried about but the actual billboard. Of course I know little about billboard construction; maybe they’re way sturdy. In any case, I still like the whole idea behind Aeroform.

The Aeroform renderings are award winning, and it’s easy to see why. Aeroform is pretty darn clever. Besides just plunking a prefab house atop a billboard the designers have a plan for resident revenue off said billboards. The outside is covered in insulated panels and a layer of carbon fibers to minimize weight and thus that structural problem of the billboard I mentioned.

It’s not the house for me, but then I don’t want to live in the city. I like it far out and away. If other people want to live in the city – on a billboard – good deal. More quiet for the country. I always adore the idea of building up though. Every time you build up you’re cashing in on a nice sustainable technique. Overall, this is a great project idea.

See more of Aeroform and other cool beans projects at Nocturnal Design Lab.

[images via Nocturnal Design Lab]

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Would you live on a billboard?

Know what this is? In case you haven’t caught it on the web yet, this is the all new, all cool, all mafia ready, bullet proof and bomb proof tub. It’s about time too. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost been shot and or blown up in the tub. It’s like living in Pulp Fiction world at my place.

If you live a life of danger visit Gizmodo to find out where to score this tub.

[image via Gizmodo]

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Best Offbeat Bathtub of the Year

Known for her unique lighting designs with Aqua Creations, Ayala Serfaty has always drawn on one major source of inspiration: The Ocean. She has taken her supreme ocean inspired collection to the next level with this magical restaurant located beneath – yes beneath – the Red Sea.

You are surrounded by Plexiglas windows giving you a plenteous view of the surrounding sea creatures, while you dine, most of which are on the menu. The décor is fluid and cozy, accentuating rather than trying to outdo the natural beauty that surrounds the restaurant.

Based in Tel Aviv, Serfaty and Aqua Creations has expanded throughout Europe and the United States with their distinctive style of lighting and furniture. You can dip your toes in the water at the company’s website, where you’ll soon find yourself mesmerized by their jellyfish-inspired pieces.

Meduza Wall Lamp

Satala

Written by Becca Stokes from ChicTip.com. (Many hugs for the cool guest post).

[images via Aqua Creations & Red Sea Star]

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Dining with The Fishes – Red Star Restaurant

The Reboot House has got some other cool points too. Like wind turbines, solar cell paint, rainwater use, and remote controls.

Get the full scoop and see more images.

[image via Mad Architect]

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Reboot House – that closely resembles some off kilter alien laser

I won’t even cheapen it with words.

[via 3mary.com]

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BEST Fence Ever!

Mesmerizing isn’t is?

House Bruges is a small terrace home renovation by the imaginative 51n4e.  This tall space is completely covered in timber planks and the arch lifts toward the back, framing trees in the garden. I really like the custom kitchen furniture that was incorporated in this remodel:

At first glance it might seem sterile, but it’s actually very light, and the more I look at it, the more I adore it. It’s almost like these kitchen shelves are floating on air.

51n4e has the most amzing project portfolio, so if you haven’t checked them out, I suggest you do it now. I’d start with more on House Bruges and then take a look at C-mine and Lamot.   

[image via 51n4e]

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51n4e – House Bruges

Above is the Ripple-15 running cold water, a LED blue light alerts you to this.  Run it hot and see red water instead! This nifty gadget is controlled via a small metal ball.

Crazy, but pretty cool. You can see it running hot, and read all the stats on the Ripple-15 at Inventor Spot.

[image via Inventor Spot]

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The Cool Blue Ripple Faucet

[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]

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Living spaces that extend your life

The Nautilus House, is one of the more odd abodes I’ve seen lately, and is a literal shell of a house.

The home is a little hard to comprehend at first, but if you look at the layout it makes more sense.

If undersea mammals are more your style then the Mexican Whale home might suit you better.

Do you believe that this is a house? It surely is. It has a stunning interior you can see at the Senosiain Arquitectos website. Actually you really should visit because not only can you see more of the whale and shell home, but also an amazing shark house. Can you build a house that really looks like a shark? Apparently yes. Visit Senosiain Arquitectos and click on “Organic Works” to see more.

[images via Senosiain Arquitectos]

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I’d like to live, under the sea…

Oshatz has designed many an amazing structure in my home state – Oregon and in other areas as well, as far reaching as Japan. His work is a mix of commercial, residential, religious, and more. What I love is how his work is entirely unique yet somehow manages to fit into the landscape so well – which is crucial I think if we want to preserve the natural environment. We really need to see more often that landscape and structure can ease together.

His design philosophy is really bold. Here’s a clip:

“Except for the basic elements of design composition, dominance, transition, and identity; I stay away from design theories. They seem to be too transitory and irrelevant to my work. Design theories tend to outshine their author’s performance, becoming limiting concepts, prejudicing the mind while tying one’s hands behind one’s back. They are roadblocks to new ideas. While subscribing to a particular theory of design an architect must solve problems within the parameters of that theory; this is limiting at best…

The requirements of architecture are such that I must go beyond what the client understands. There must be surprise, mystery, beauty and delight, elements that make architecture rewarding to its users for a lifetime. This is one of the primary differences between architecture and building. It is the architect’s responsibility to go beyond the mere program and into the realm of what I call the spiritual.”

You should really read Oshatz’s entire design approach though, not simply the clip above. It’s great, very interesting when combined with his work.

I ran into some issues deciding which homes to show. I’ll show two houses today, but narrowing it down to two was very difficult. I love many of his residential works a lot. Being a fan of Oregon in general, I did decide to go with two Oregon homes, which narrowed it down a little.

First up the Wilkinson Residence. This is not a house easily captured in photos. However, it’s lovely and offbeat all the same. Located in Portland the home’s lot is a fast sloping grade which according to Oshatz’s site, “Provided the opportunity to bring the main level of the house into the tree canopy to evoke the feeling of being in a tree house.” The client wanted a home that flowed with the natural environment, and I’m thinking that said client got their wish. Take a look:

It sort of makes you gasp, no? I almost can’t stop looking at it. This next photo is my favorite picture of the home. It’s the entryway, but it resembles a kaleidescope somewhat – like the flow keeps going when you look right at the circles. Very slick.

Make the jump to see a few more photos.

Look at this door.

It does really seem like a treehouse from the inside. Out the windows all you see is green. I bet it’s amazing in the autumn though as well.

Cool interior view.

Now, there are many more photos of this home at Oshatz’s site, including, some really neat exterior curves and windows. Later today, we’ll see one more home by this amazing architect.

[All photos courtesy of Robert Harvey Oshatz]

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Outstanding Offbeat Organic Beauty – the Work of Robert Harvey Oshatz