Ocean Emerald Yacht by Norman Foster
Renowned architect, Norman Foster, designed the stunning Ocean Emerald which is the first in a series of four identical super yachts being built for the YachtPlus fractional ownership program.
Foster is best known for landmarks such as London’s Gherkin and the Millennium bridge across the Thames, but this is not his first venture into yacht design. It was in 1991 when he created the 55 meter Ronin which showcased an atypical design but was a monumental achievement nonetheless.
The most apparent feature on his latest work is the dramatic grey superstructure that arches the entire length of the vessel. The yacht has extra deck space at 2,495 square feet being devoted to outside space and a further 2,790 square feet available for guest and crew accommodation.
The large main salon benefits from huge windows providing ample light. Décor throughout all of the cabins is modern but neutral to accommodate the differing tastes of up to 16 different owners. There is a centrally located spiral staircase, which traverses all three decks allowing light to flood the lower deck from the skylight above. At night the internally illuminated steps of the staircase will give the same dramatic effect.
See the rest of the yacht after the jump.
Tuyomyo Bench by Frank Gehry for Emeco
Acclaimed architect Frank Gehry collaborated with furniture design and manufacturing company Emeco to design the Tuyomyo Bench, which was revealed at Milan Design Week 09. The lightweight aluminum bench is a flowing, sculptural piece that recalls Gehry’s signature style. Emeco manufactured the bench using 80% recycled aluminum. Of the form, Gehry said, “ it has to be free and light. It must be structural and at the same time poetic and a little dangerous.” The Tuyomyo bench will be auctioned in May, with proceeds benefitting the Leslie Gehry Brenner Hereditary Disease Foundation.
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Honda CB750 Smart Bike
Honda’s futuristic 2015 CB750 concept appears to be simply the next in a long line of pioneering motorcylces, but if the technology it promises actually makes it to the marketplace, we think it will once again set the standard for sportbikes. The CB-Series has been revered for many years, embracing Honda’s “less is more” mentality that has carried over into every mode of transportation that Honda produces. At a time when other motorcycle companies were producing massive v-twins laden with superfluous parts, Honda one-upped its competitors by making light, sporty, compact motorbikes with powerful inline engines. These bikes are still sought after today, for good reason. This newest iteration of the series features a hydrogen-powered 750cc engine with a dual clutch transmission and Nissan GTR-like launch and grip controls. An electro-magnetic suspension similar to those pioneered and perfected by Cadillac helps pilot the CB750 through tight S-curves, and myriad safety features like an airbag (seriously!), traction control, ABS, and laser guiding braking compliment the bikes aggressive look. The bike also features touch-screen OLED displays that make today’s distance-to-empty gauges seem just a little dated: things such as driving behavior, tuning information, and driving record are logged continuously throughout one’s travels. Rounding out the futuristic package is the expected aluminum and carbon fiber frame. If the CB750 can deliver on its promises, Honda’s reputation for benchmark motorcycles should be safe until at least 2016.
See more images of the Honda CB750 Smart Bike after the jump.
Habitat 825 in Los Angeles by LOHA Architects
Habitat 825 is a distinctive modern apartment complex in Los Angeles. LOHA Architects envisioned the residential building as as a place where there is focus is on its community with the idea of light and open spaces. Two L-shaped buildings make up the complex with a common courtyard to encourage outdoor gatherings. As for circulation for its residents and for airflow, two entrances are available. To eliminate climate-controlled corridors, access to each apartment can be gained through the central court.
Check out after the jump for more information and images.
Victorian Duplex in San Francisco by Patrick Flynn
This Victorian Duplex located in San Francisco was designed by Patrick Flynn of envelopeA+D. envelopeA+D is an architecture and design firm based in Oakland, California. This home serves as a house and a creative studio for owner Claire Bigbie and her boyfriend, Jay Shaprio. Its main floor and living quarters upstairs occupy the creative space, while the rest of the house is simply a sight to behold starting with its blue and black exterior. Inside the kitchen is very clean and contemporary as well as its red and blue restrooms. In terms of interior design, the house is not only inspirational but it is also fun with the various colors, textures, and extra decorations (e.g. deer head on the wall) used.
See the rest of the home after the jump.
Lofted Forest Home by Rover Harvey Oshatz
The Lofted Forest Home is one that defies categorization. It cannot be called strictly modern, traditional, or naturalistic. Rover Harvey Oshatz did not have a particular style in mind when he designed the home, but instead focused on a source of inspiration from the owner. According to the architect, it is a physical manifestation of the “fluidity and complexity of music.” The house certainly embodies both principles, with elegantly flowing curves executed with custom structural and decorative elements. Primarily wood and stone were used in the home’s construction to promote integration into its environment. Even where metal was used, it was allowed to weather naturally, developing a rust colored patina. Most of the living space is located in the flared, upper “loft” portion of the home, where Oshatz hoped to achieve a sense of intimacy in the forest canopy.
See the rest of the house after the jump.
Bloom House by Gregg Lynn
At first glance, the Bloom house appears to be a strictly rectilinear modernist abode. Its exterior is a simple composition of straight lines constructed in concrete. Upon entering this Los Angeles home, however, one finds that the interior is a radical departure from the minimalist exterior. The home is architect Gregg Lynn’s first commissioned project and was build for a film and television director. Prior to the Bloom House, Lynn had explored architecture theoretically and through temporary exhibitions. This first physical realization of his work is especially impressive when judged by interior spaces, which employ deliberately distorted surfaces. These undulating surfaces appear everywhere, from the walls, to the furniture, to the lighting fixtures. The interior is stark and white, with bright pops of color in the form of artwork and furniture upholstery. Lynn managed to create an intriguing piece of architecture that shields its true nature from the casual passerby. The only hint is part of a curved, yellow fiberglass light fixture that illuminates the porch. The fixture continues inside and, in following the nature of the house, expands into an intricate sculpture.
More images of the Bloom House after the jump.
Audi Student Design Project: Intelligent Emotion
Audi recently presented a design project in cooperation with the Munich University of Applied Sciences that charged students with designing “human mobility solutions” that address plausible future transportation conditions. Prior to designing the vehicle itself, University students had to predict the most pressing environmental, technical, and social issues facing the world in the future. These guidelines spawned the theme “Intelligent Emotion.” The project involved lead designers and officials from Audi, and reportedly generated a number of ideas that they say might see implementation in future models. Wolfgang Egger, head of Audi Design said, “The students have addressed the subject of mobility in the future with very well-conceived and lucidly presented approaches.” Their innovations included vehicle weight reduction and alternative power and drivetrain sources.
See the students’ works after the jump.
Georgica Pond House by Bates Masi Architects
This thoroughly modern home in East Hampton, NY was built on the site of a previously existing home that did not adequately satisfy the new owners’ needs. Interestingly, it literally sits atop the very foundation the previous home occupied due to zoning restrictions. New York based Bates Masi Architects nonetheless tailored the new home exactly to the owners’ specifications. Upon approaching the house, the elemental cube shape and monochromatic color scheme are its most striking features, starkly contrasting the surrounding landscape. The exterior design employs a tiered approach, with each level of the house stepping back and creating exterior walkways and terraces. The monochromatic palette is carried into the interior where the architect used white limestone paired with broad, blank walls. The walls themselves were left blank to allow the owners to display their extensive art collection without the décor detracting from it. The end result is a sleek, minimalist home that exudes a gallery-like atmosphere.
See the rest of the house after the jump.
Hollywood Hills Home by Mills Studio
Completed in 2007, this Los Angeles home was designed by the husband and wife team of Jeffrey and Rochelle Mills. Their firm, Mills Studio, designed the contemporary structure with the dramatic view as the focal point. The property is tucked high among the Hollywood hills and enjoys unprecedented views of Lake Hollywood. Consequently, the home utilizes large expanses of glass paired with carefully integrated outdoor living spaces. The centerpiece of the outdoor space is a pool that appears to cascade over its edge toward the lake. The home itself is anchored by exposed concrete walls that support cantilevered glass volumes above. The cantilevered spaces provide additional, covered outdoor areas. The interior contains soaring, dramatic rooms and a glass bridge that spans the main living space and leads to rooftop terraces. The Lake Hollywood house is currently on the market for $12.5 million.
More images of this Hollywood Hills home after the jump.
