Audi Q5 Custom Concept
Following the official release of the new Q5 SUV, Audi has developed the Q5 Custom Concept, a heavily tuned and modified version of the standard model. The Custom Concept will be unveiled at the annual Wörthersee GTI Meet. The Austrian event draws Audi and Volkswagen enthusiasts from around the world and has been home to several past unveilings, including the Golf GTI W12 and Audi TT Clubsport. The exterior of the Custom Concept showcases Audi factory accessories and includes larger, forged wheels, a lowered and tuned suspension, and red body accent pieces. The most significant deviation from stock, however, lies under the hood, where a heavily massaged version of Audi’s new supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 pumps out 408 horsepower. Audi claims the Custom Concept is capable of 4.4 second 0-60 runs and is good for an electronically limited 155 mph top speed. The aforementioned tuned suspension is paired with upsized ceramic brakes to cope with the performance capabilities.
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Joseph Echiler Homes
Joseph Eichler founded and managed Eichler homes from 1949 to 1966, a span during which nearly 11,000 modernist homes were constructed throughout California. The bulk of the homes were built in the San Francisco area, where they remain treasured mid century icons of modern design. Eichler was the only large-scale builder in America to produce architect-designed modern homes on a large scale. He endeavored to bring good design to the middle class, who typically had to choose from an array of generic, tract houses. Eichler homes employed several different architects and incorporated open plans, extensive use of glass, and natural ventilation. In recent years, in an effort to preserve the remaining Eichler homes, subdivisions have been placed on the National Historic Register, the Nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation.
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NASA Space Tools Designed for Hubble
The final flight headed for the Hubble Telescope will be made by the Space Shuttle Atlantis, whose mission is to make several repairs. The repairs were never intended to be made in space, and consequently, nearly 200 special tools were developed to aid the astronauts. They include a workstation that mounts to the chest of a space suit, drills that reduce hand fatigue, and mechanisms that prevent small components from floating away once detached.
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Modern Home in Austin, Texas by Cottam Hargrave
Cottam Hargrave designed this modern home located in the scenic hills of Austin, Texas. Its heavy stone and concrete base anchor the home to its hillside site, creating an immediate sense of permanency. The upper portion employs a lighter steel-framed structure, with tall, light-filled volumes composing the primary living spaces. Hargrave aimed to instill a sense of craftsmanship and endurance into the home, choosing to focus on construction detail and forego incorporation of technological components. The most visually striking element of the home is definitely the pool, which is formed from concrete and cantilevers from the front of the house. The water spills over its edge and into a trough, creating a dizzying view for its users.
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Bar Lounge Nisha Acapulco
One of two properties bearing the NISHA name, this new Acapulco bar and lounge is tailored to a younger demographic with more focus on nightlife than its forbearer. Designed by Mexico City-based Pascal Arquitectos, the bar’s interior is a contemporary interpretation of a nautical theme. Upon entering, visitors are met with curved, wood-clad ceilings and walls punctuated by porthole-shaped screens displaying underwater landscapes. The entry opens to a large central space delineated by intimate clusters of seating. The use of wood is continued on the walls and ceiling, and screens are creatively framed as if they were pieces of art. The use of colored accent lighting throughout the bar is also fundamental in creating the nautical, lounge atmosphere that NISHA purveys to its customers. Cool tones of light emanate from all corners, including beneath seating areas, from the base of walls, and below the bar. Once inside the bar, the only indication of the outside world is the view of a small patio, which serves to remind customers that they are not actually on a sea-faring vessel.
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Modern Architecture from Werner Sobek
With ecological awareness at the forefront of modern architectural development, Werner Sobek’s theory and design serve as archetypical examples for future projects. An accomplished architect and engineer, Sobek bestows his knowledge upon students at the Illinois Institute of Technology where he holds the Mies teaching chair. His 200 employee architecture firm, with offices across the globe, has consistently led the trend of “green” building, though he is quick to dismiss such overused terms. Sobek claims that “environmental efficiency is not a goal in itself, but simply a by-product of good building.” Consequently, his firm initiates each project with a “triple zero” approach. They aim for zero energy consumption, zero emissions, and zero waste in all of their endeavors. His work includes collaborations with renowned architects Jean Nouvel and Zaha Hadid with whom he designed a number of projects including bridges, high-rises, offices, and airports. Most recently he’s completed six private residences that incorporate his design ideals.
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The Stone Ridge Lane Residence
The Stone Ridge Lane Residence is a 9300 square foot residence tucked onto a generous lot along a coveted private road in Bel Air, CA. The home is a luxurious modern domicile that enjoys impressive views from its hillside perch. It employs a number of Asian-inspired elements to create a distinct contemporary atmosphere. These elements include its unadorned rectilinear form, use of bamboo as both landscaping and flooring, and a centrally located koi pond. Also central to the home’s design are its exterior spaces. Structural elements extend past the exterior walls to form a framework that defines extensive patio space and a picturesque lap pool. The home is currently listed for sale with Beverly Hills based Mauricio Umansky.
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IJburg House by Gabriëls Webb
Located on Ijburg Island, the aptly named Ijburg house is a recently completed project from Amsterdam-based architecture firm Gabriëls Webb. The home is located in the midst of an architecturally progressive development, but manages to break the trend of closed, vertical homes that tend to be imposing and unwelcoming at street level. Volumes cut away at its corners paired with liberal use of glass and transparency gives it a character distinct from its neighbors. The home’s plan allows a family to live using a system of private and public spaces- a children’s “zone” on the lowest level contains a kitchenette and full bathroom, while the main level contains communal spaces, and the upper level houses the parents’ studio space. Residents can either co-occupy the main level or retreat to their respective private areas. Private and communal spaces are indicated through the use of materials on the home’s façade.
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The Veritas RS III
German company Vermot AG has released the first example of their Veritas RS III model, an open cockpit supercar that pays homage to 1940’s BMW racing. The aim of the Veritas was to provide the truest, least diluted driving experience possible. To do so, the designers kept weight to a minimum through the use of carbon fiber and Kevlar body panels and accommodations for the driver only. Power comes from a choice of two BMW M-sourced powertrains- either a 480 horsepower V8 or a 600 horsepower V10. The relatively low curb weight paired with the powerful, high-revving engines makes for impressive performance numbers: 60 mph comes in three seconds flat and top speed breaches the 200 mph mark. The Veritas is expected to retail for about $375,000, with only 50 cars planned for production. Keep an eye out for its official debut on July 22nd at this year’s London Salon Prive.
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Lakeview Residence by Locati Architects
Located in rural Montana, the Lakeview Residence is perched on a hillside, surrounded by scenic, heavily wooded property. Designed by Montana based Locati Architects, the home provides impressive views of the nearby mountains. The architect made an effort to ensure the interior of the Lakeview Residence was tied to its natural surroundings with extensive use of natural materials. Providing a warm, inviting retreat from the snow covered mountains was also a priority in designing the interior. Consequently, most surfaces in the home are either wood or stone. Floors, ceilings, and structural members are constructed from wood of varying species and tones. Stone types and colors are also mixed throughout the interior, covering floors, accent walls, and fireplaces. The overall effect is a hospitable, textural environment fitting of its context.
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