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agustín lozada designs casa clausura as an introspective courtyard house in argentina

Agustín Lozada Rethinks Suburban Domesticity

 

Casa Clausura, designed by architect Agustín Lozada, is a single-family residence located in Mendiolaza, a fast-developing suburb on the outskirts of Córdoba, Argentina. Sited within the newly built neighborhood, the project engages its context through a series of decisions that resist the typical logic of suburban development.

 

The concrete house humbly settles into its surroundings. It occupies the site’s flattest area and allows a modest, pre-existing mound to define its elevation from the street. From the sidewalk, only a low roofline is visible. It is deliberately subdued, maintaining uninterrupted views toward the trees and mountains beyond. This gesture reflects an approach driven by restraint and spatial responsibility.

images © Federico Cairoli

 

 

casa clausura designed with a logic of withdrawal

 

With the project’s name, Casa Clausura, architect Agustín Lozada speak to a retreat from the visual noise of suburban repetition. Though the site offers open western views, the plan turns away from them, avoiding Córdoba’s intense afternoon sun. Instead, the house orients toward the northeast, prioritizing soft light, environmental comfort, and privacy. These pragmatic choices guide the layout and rhythm of the home.

 

The organizing principle is a central courtyard, around which the entire domestic program unfolds. Shaded and enclosed, the courtyard becomes a gathering space, centered by a pool and bordered by full-height glazed openings that blur the line between interior and exterior. The architect notes that such courtyards are common among rural homes throughout Argentina.

Casa Clausura is located in Mendiolaza, a growing suburb of Córdoba, Argentina

 

 

a pared-back concrete courtyard house

 

One of the more unexpected features of Casa Clausura is its treatment of the garage. Where most suburban homes place it upfront, dominating the facade, here it has been relocated to the rear of the site. This reversal sets in motion a series of formal adaptations — the driveway wraps around the house’s perimeter, requiring the concrete volume to fold and bend, allowing access without rigidity. The result is a massing that is at once grounded and responsive, with a form shaped by movement and constraint.

 

Materially, the house is resolute. Cast-in-place concrete provides weight and thermal mass, while its earthy tone harmonizes with the muted palette of the terrain. Openings are carefully calibrated, giving priority to privacy and an inward-facing orientation. Interior spaces are curated with a pared back material palette to celebrate the garden onto which they open.

the house is positioned on the flattest part of the site and withdraws from street view

a central courtyard with a pool forms the spatial core of the house

the plan avoids western exposure and opens toward the northeast for light

interior spaces are arranged around the courtyard to create a sense of intimacy

concrete forms are softened to accommodate circulation and site contours

cast-in-place concrete provides weight and thermal mass

 

project info:

 

name: Casa Clausura

architect: Agustín Lozada | @agustinlozada_arq

location: Mendiolaza, Argentina

completion: 2023

photography: © Federico Cairoli | @federicocairoli

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Unleash Your Inner Goth with This Stunning 2,999-brick Addams Family LEGO Build

Snap. Snap. Instantly, the mind jumps to that family – charmingly bizarre, defiantly stylish, and somehow warmer than half the sitcoms of the early ’90s despite their penchant for graveyards and guillotines. For anyone who grew up in the golden VHS era, the Addams Family mansion was a gothic palace of dreams where love was eternal, kids were delightfully sinister, and dinners were never, ever normal. As a lifelong design nerd and unapologetic millennial who still quotes Wednesday at office meetings, I keep a soft spot for any creative tribute to the Addamses. And when it’s a LEGO build? You bet I’m paying attention.

Scrolling through Petrus Odyssey’s LEGO Ideas MOC (My Own Creation) for the Addams Family 1991, there’s that unmistakable blend of reverence and wit. Instead of another generic haunted house, what’s on display here is a 2999-piece architectural flex, dripping with the same dark elegance that made Barry Sonnenfeld’s films iconic. The mansion rises in sharp black-and-white, with railings that almost look like they’d bite you if you got too close. It’s not just about nailing the silhouette; it’s about bottling that Addams energy: a little menacing, a little playful, and a lot of fun.

Designer: Petrus Odyssey

The sheer scale of the build, clocking in at an impressive 2999 pieces, speaks volumes about the dedication poured into its creation. Every architectural detail, from the towering central spire to the intricate black railings adorning the rooflines, perfectly mirrors the mansion’s eerie elegance. The stark black and white color scheme, punctuated by the occasional dark green door, immediately evokes the gothic grandeur of the Addams residence, making it instantly recognizable to anyone who’s ever wished for a pet octopus named Aristotle.

The house opens up dollhouse-style, revealing a surprisingly detailed interior that allows for immersive play and display. You can detach the greenhouse module and the section housing Uncle Fester’s bedroom and the dining room, exposing a world of macabre delights. Imagine Lurch grunting his way through the grand foyer, or Thing scurrying across the dining table where a perpetually roasted turkey awaits.

The interior rooms are brimming with delightful Easter eggs and thoughtful touches. Fester’s bedroom, the dining room complete with its banquet table, and even a bathroom featuring a wonderfully weird tentacled bathtub, all contribute to the authentic Addams vibe. The cross-section views showcase multiple stories, complete with a grand staircase, family portraits on the walls, and even a suit of armor standing guard, ready to assist with any impromptu sword fights.

Of course, no Addams Family set would be complete without its eccentric residents, and Petrus Odyssey delivers a full roster of minifigures that are spot-on. Morticia, Gomez, Uncle Fester, Wednesday, Pugsley, Lurch, Cousin Itt, and even Thing are all here, each with their distinctive looks and accessories. Gomez’s pinstripe suit is perfectly rendered, Wednesday’s braided pigtails and solemn expression are spot-on, and Cousin Itt’s signature fedora and sunglasses are flawlessly captured, proving that even a pile of hair can be iconic.

Just shy of 3,000 bricks, this MOC is both detailed yet simple enough to actually pull off if you own the kit. Sadly though, it’s just a fan-made creation that’s currently on the LEGO Ideas website, but with some luck, it could become a box set. The LEGO Ideas community has given this build 3,179 votes, and if it does hit the 10,000 vote mark, it automatically gets sent to the LEGO internal team for review (and potentially for turning into a retail set). You can go cast your vote for the MOC on the LEGO Ideas website here!

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This compact Game Controller condenses full functionality into a tiny capsule-shaped design

I’ll admit, I haven’t seen too many game controllers look like this. Designed pretty much on a whim by Alban Contrepois, the ONO manages to compact all your conventional controls into something truly compact and pocket-ready. The ONO packs a D-Pad (of sorts), two joysticks, action buttons, and shoulder buttons into a form factor barely the size of your average phone.

And in doing so, it sort of eschews that traditional game controller design. You don’t NEED hyper-ergonomic controllers for good, casual gaming. All you do is the controls itself, packed within a form factor that’s rounded enough to squarely sit in your palms without causing fatigue. And the ONO does that fairly well.

Designer: Alban Contrepois

Even though conceptual (and the designer lets you even download the 3D file for free jus tin case you want to print and build your own DIY controller), the ONO is adorably fascinating. It has the compact appeal of the SNES controller, albeit modernized for today’s day and age. Unlike the SNES, it packs two joysticks too. It’s designed to be platform agnostic, which is why the action buttons come with obscure quadrilaterals on them rather than letters or shapes like the PS or Xbox controllers, this means seamless use across a variety of platforms, from mobile gaming to console gaming, to even probably gaming on platforms like Apple Arcade (remember that?)

“ONO is a fictional object — a controller that was never built, never used, yet strangely familiar,” says designer Alban Contrepois. “Designed to be felt rather than played, it lives somewhere between memory and matter. Inspired by industrial aesthetics, soft-touch textures, and imagined futures, ONO explores tactile silence, emotional surfaces, and the poetry of fictional hardware. A contemplative artifact, frozen in time.”

The controller boasts this frosted metallic finish that seems fairly different from the regular plastic-based designs we see on most controllers. It gives the controller a slightly serious demeanor, which feels necessary given its size. The controls are all accessible and designed ergonomically. The result is a device small enough to chuck right into your bag along with your Steam Deck or Switch 2, or even your iPad. Anyone who wants to tinker with the 3D files, they’re available for free on Gumroad.

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Chapters is a furniture collection concept for public spaces inspired by reading

Chapters is a fresh take on public park furniture, brought to life by designer Myrto Alexandra Andrianopoulou during her studies at the Royal College of Art. Inspired by the quiet presence of book readers, this collection is designed specifically to enhance individual moments in London’s green spaces. Rather than aiming to replace the city’s iconic double benches, Chapters offers new possibilities for how people can experience parks.

The collection features four distinct pieces: Rest, Pause, Tilt, and Nest. Each piece is thoughtfully shaped to support different postures, whether you are sitting, lounging, or standing. This focus on versatility encourages users to engage with each piece in their own way, making every visit to the park a more personal experience. Chapters is ideal for those seeking a quiet moment to read, reflect, or simply take in the natural environment, but its modular design also means units can be combined to create inviting social spaces.

Designer: Myrto Alexandra Andrianopoulou

London’s parks are known for their traditional benches, which have become an integral part of the city’s park culture. While these classic seats have their charm, they tend to follow a uniform design that does not always cater to the variety of ways people use public spaces today. The designer’s approach with Chapters is to complement, not compete with, these benches. By introducing new silhouettes and encouraging flexible use, Chapters celebrates the diversity of daily life in London’s parks and answers the growing desire for spaces that support both solitude and community.

One of the standout features of the collection is its unified olive green color. This subtle shade was chosen to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, allowing the furniture to harmonize with its surroundings rather than draw attention away from the park’s beauty. The pieces are crafted from powder-coated mild steel and iroko wood, giving them a tactile, durable quality that is perfect for outdoor use. The materials not only ensure longevity but also provide a pleasant touch for users.

The names of the pieces hint at the different ways people might use them: Rest, Pause, Tilt, and Nest. Some offer a comfortable place to recline and read, others invite users to perch or lean for a brief pause, and a few are designed for more upright or active engagement. Their flexible forms mean that anyone can find a piece that suits their mood, whether they are seeking a moment of solitude or a spot to connect with others.

Chapters is both a set of park seats and an invitation to rethink how we use public spaces, and to make room for quiet, personal moments as well as shared experiences. By celebrating the simple act of reading in the park, this collection brings a new layer of care and creativity to London’s outdoor spaces.

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When Snoopy Gets the Gold Treatment: The MoonSwatch Mission to Earthphase Moonshine Edition

Swatch is about to drop something that’s got the watch world buzzing, and it’s about time. The Mission to Earthphase Moonshine Gold is landing during the full moon on August 9, 2025, and this thing looks way more thoughtful than your average cartoon collaboration. They’re taking the original gray Earthphase model and giving it the full premium treatment with navy bioceramic and actual precious metal accents. The $400 price tag might make you wince at first, but once you see what’s packed into this 42mm case, it starts making sense. This is going to be a one-day-only boutique release, which means Swatch wants to create some real scarcity without completely locking people out. What gets me excited is how they’re using Snoopy as the main character in an actual story that plays out across the dial complications, not just slapping his face on a watch and calling it a day.

The Dial Is Pure Visual Storytelling

The dial design is way more sophisticated than I initially thought. The white opaline base creates this perfect canvas that lets every other element breathe and pop. You’ve got the earth phase at 10 o’clock where Snoopy and Woodstock are sitting on what looks like the lunar surface, complete with little crater marks and lunar dust details scattered around them. The illustration style stays true to Charles Schulz’s original Peanuts artwork – simple black line drawings that feel timeless rather than trying to be modern or edgy.

The earth phase window itself shows a beautifully detailed Earth with green continents and blue oceans that actually rotate as the complication cycles through. Above it, that navy aventurine background with tiny sparkles creates this deep space effect that makes the Earth really stand out. The moonphase at 2 o’clock gets the Moonshine Gold treatment on both moon discs, and the gold has this warm, almost honey-like tone that catches light beautifully against the dark navy background. Those crater details on the gold moons are incredibly fine – you can make out individual impact marks that give them realistic texture.

What’s brilliant about the layout is how the complications don’t fight each other for attention. The Snoopy illustration sits in the lower left quadrant, balanced by the moonphase on the upper right. The earth phase creates this visual triangle that guides your eye around the dial naturally. The navy minute track with its sparkling finish ties everything together, creating this cohesive space theme without being heavy-handed about it.

The hands deserve special mention too. They’re blued steel with that classic Speedmaster shape, but the navy treatment makes them blend perfectly with the overall color scheme. The chronograph seconds hand has this subtle sparkle finish that matches the minute track, creating visual continuity across all the moving elements.

The Hidden UV Magic Changes Everything

The UV-reactive elements completely transform this watch’s personality. In normal light, you get this clean, sophisticated space theme with Snoopy as a subtle character element. Hit it with UV light and suddenly “I BEAT EVERYBODY” appears in that classic comic book speech bubble style, with additional Snoopy details that weren’t visible before. This is the kind of Easter egg that makes you smile every time you discover it again.

The UV effect shows up in bright blue against the white dial, creating this playful contrast that feels like finding a secret message. It’s positioned perfectly so it doesn’t interfere with time reading but adds this whole extra layer of personality when you’re under blacklights or certain LED lighting. The fact that they included this feature shows Swatch really understands their audience – people who appreciate both technical complications and playful design elements.

The Navy Bioceramic Case Is a Game Changer

The navy bioceramic case completely changes the watch’s presence compared to the original gray Earthphase. This darker color gives it more visual weight and makes it feel more premium. The bioceramic material has this subtle texture that’s not perfectly smooth but has this organic, almost ceramic-like finish that feels substantial under light.

The case proportions look spot-on at 42mm – substantial without being overwhelming. The integrated pushers maintain that classic Speedmaster silhouette that MoonSwatch fans expect. The crown and pushers match the case perfectly, creating this monochromatic look that lets the dial do all the talking. The bezel with its white tachymeter markings creates perfect contrast against the navy case, making the numbers easily readable while maintaining the overall color scheme.

The case construction uses that familiar MoonSwatch profile but the navy treatment makes it feel like a completely different watch. The lug design flows naturally into the case, and the overall finishing has this matte quality that avoids fingerprints and scratches better than glossy alternatives would.

The Strap Texture Tells Its Own Story
The navy VELCRO strap reveals details that most coverage missed. The texture has this woven pattern that’s actually quite sophisticated – it’s not just flat rubber but has this textile-like weave that gives it visual interest. The VELCRO closure system uses matching navy throughout, so there’s no color clash or cheap-looking contrast stitching.

The strap thickness looks substantial without being bulky. The way it curves naturally doesn’t create that awkward gap that some rubber straps have. The white Omega x Swatch logo on the strap is cleanly applied and sized appropriately – not too big or flashy but clearly visible. The overall proportions work really well with the 42mm case, creating a balanced look that doesn’t make the watch appear top-heavy.

What’s smart about this strap choice is how it reinforces the space theme while being practical. NASA has used VELCRO extensively in space missions since the 1960s, making it historically appropriate for a space-themed chronograph. You can adjust the fit throughout the day as your wrist changes, and it won’t scratch desk surfaces or catch on clothing like metal buckles sometimes do.

The Caseback Continues the Story

The caseback design ties the whole theme together perfectly. Earth gets rendered in those classic Peanuts colors – bright blue and green – surrounded by “I BEAT EVERYBODY” in that same playful font. The text placement around the perimeter includes all the technical specs and mission details, but they’re arranged in a way that doesn’t compete with the central Earth graphic.

The navy bioceramic caseback material matches the case perfectly, and the engraved text has good depth and clarity. This kind of attention to the caseback shows Swatch thinking about the complete ownership experience, not just what people see when the watch is on your wrist. The Earth illustration uses the same bright colors that appear in the earth phase complication, creating visual continuity between front and back.

Technical Details That Actually Matter

The lume performance creates this two-tier lighting system that’s both functional and fun. The hour markers and hands glow in that classic green Super-LumiNova, while the UV-reactive elements create this cool blue glow under blacklight. The contrast between the green time-reading lume and the blue decorative UV elements adds personality without compromising legibility.

The dial printing quality shows impressive attention to detail. The “Speedmaster” script maintains that classic font style, while “MOONSWATCH” uses a more modern typeface that bridges the gap between Omega heritage and Swatch innovation. All the text stays crisp and properly aligned, which isn’t always a given with collaborative pieces like this.

The complications themselves show impressive finishing work. The earth phase disc has realistic continental shapes and ocean colors, while the moonphase discs feature those detailed crater patterns in the Moonshine Gold coating. The aventurine backgrounds in both complications have consistent sparkle distribution that creates depth without being distracting. The way the gold catches light creates this warm contrast against the cool navy backgrounds.

The chronograph subdials maintain perfect legibility thanks to the high contrast navy-on-white color scheme. The running seconds at 9 o’clock, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and 1/10th second counter at 6 o’clock all stay easily readable. The tachymeter scale around the bezel gets printed in white, matching the dial and creating a clean, unified look.

Why This Design Actually Works

What makes this watch special is how all these design elements work together to tell a cohesive story. The navy and white color scheme creates this clean, space-age aesthetic. The Snoopy elements feel integrated rather than added on. The precious metal treatment elevates the whole piece without making it feel gaudy. And those hidden UV elements add personality without compromising the sophisticated base design.

This is how you do a character collaboration right – by making the character part of the story rather than just decoration. Snoopy and Woodstock become lunar explorers watching Earth from their moon base, which ties perfectly into the earth phase complication. The “I BEAT EVERYBODY” message adds Snoopy’s competitive personality without being too in-your-face about it.

The result is a watch that works on multiple levels – as a technical piece with dual astronomical complications, as a design object with thoughtful color coordination and finishing, and as a collectible that celebrates both space exploration and beloved pop culture characters. That’s a tough balance to strike, and Swatch absolutely nailed it with this release.

The post When Snoopy Gets the Gold Treatment: The MoonSwatch Mission to Earthphase Moonshine Edition first appeared on Yanko Design.

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onus embeds net-zero island residence into the greek landscape using local materials

ONUS carves net-zero residence into the landscape

 

Onus Architecture Studio completes Horizon House, a net-zero residence carved into the sloped terrain of Syros, Greece. The 230-square-meter home is partially embedded in the earth and built using stone excavated on-site. The project is designed to function off-grid and support the surrounding environment, reflecting a growing move beyond sustainability toward what’s known as regenerative design, an approach that actively helps restore natural systems.

 

Horizon House brings together passive solar design, efficient use of resources, and low-impact building techniques in tune with the unique conditions of island life. It’s designed to be energy self-sufficient and to give back to the land in a region where drought, strong winds, and rising heat are becoming the norm.

all images courtesy of Onus Architecture Studio

 

 

Horizon House follows the contours of the greek terrain

 

Built on a steep hillside overlooking the Aegean Sea, the house follows the contours of the land with a linear layout that stretches along the horizon. South-facing openings allow plenty of sunlight in, while the more enclosed northern side protects residents from prevailing winds. The use of raw concrete, reclaimed wood, and native vegetation situates the structure within its context.

 

Guided by passive design principles, the use of deep-set apertures and operable skylights optimizes natural light and airflow throughout the home. The Athens-based team at Onus Architecture Studio combines the thermal mass of the structure with carefully oriented shading and a vegetated roof to help stabilize interior temperatures year-round without the need for mechanical systems. This performance is enhanced by micro wind turbines that take advantage of the island’s constant winds and a geothermal loop that supplies heating and cooling.

Horizon House is a net-zero residence carved into the sloped terrain of Syros, Greece

 

 

Green and Blue Roof Systems Power On-Site Water Management

 

In this project, Onus Architecture Studio works with local resources and natural systems, bringing human habitation back in sync with nature. Water is managed entirely on-site, with the green roof of Horizon House acting as a catchment system that feeds into a blue roof infrastructure that stores and filters rainwater. Greywater is treated and reused in irrigation. Landscaping with native plants reduces water demand, promotes biodiversity, and improves soil health in the long run, while trees and shrubs are placed to improve the local microclimate and reduce wind exposure.

 

Inside, the house maintains the same principles of restraint and continuity. Natural materials complete the interiors, where living and sleeping areas unfold along the view axis. Courtyards, verandas, and shaded terraces allow the experience of the house to extend beyond its walls.

the 230-square-meter home is partially embedded in the earth

built using stone excavated on-site

Horizon House brings together passive solar design, efficient use of resources, and low-impact building techniques

it’s designed to be energy self-sufficient and to give back to the land

reflecting a growing move beyond sustainability toward what’s known as regenerative design

the house follows the contours of the land with a linear layout that stretches along the horizon

raw concrete, reclaimed wood, and native vegetation situates the structure within its context

the use of deep-set apertures and operable skylights optimizes natural light

courtyards, verandas, and shaded terraces allow the experience of the house to extend beyond its walls

 

 

project info:

 

name: Horizon House

architects: Onus Architecture Studio | @onus.architecture.studio

location: Syros, Cyclades, Greece

area: 230 square meters

 

lead architect: Margarita Kyanidou

project team: Christina Ntalli, Aikaterini Korka, Anna Andreadi

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Hotly pursued 3D-printed Nike Air Max 1000 “Oat” and “Black” to release on August 19

Nike is no stranger to experimenting with 3D printing technology in sneaker design. The company first tried the concept with the VaporFly Elite Flyprint, which boasted a digitally fabricated upper. Now, Nike is taking things to the pinnacle with the introduction of its first fully 3D-printed sneaker: the Air Max 1000. A modern reimagination of the iconic Air Max 1 that kicked off the Air revolution back in 1987.

Nike has created the Air Max 1000 in collaboration with German manufacturer Zellerfeld, which specializes in 3D printing. The sneaker, achieved in partnership, debuted at the ComplexCon last year in Las Vegas, where it was teased in a solid bright red colorway. Now, almost nine months later, Nike is making the silhouette available – though briefly – to the public, and it arrives not in red, but Oat and Black colorways to choose from.

Designer: Nike x Zellerfeld

What do the two different color options entail? More on that below; first, let’s address the elephant in the room. Since its debut, Nike Air Max 1000 has been a matter of interest among sneakerheads and collectors for its experimental aesthetics and cutting-edge manufacturing technique. The latter, according to Nike, “uses less material than conventional” shoe-making methods, which should make the Air Max 1000 not just an inventive but also a sustainable choice for those who can get their feet into it at launch.

The limited public release is scheduled for August 19. Gear up if you are in tune with the idea of the technologically advanced version of the Air Max 1: The first Nike shoe with the visible air cushion heel in the midsole. That visible Air unit in the heel is kept intact in the Air Max 100 as well. Although the air cushioning is available, it is not 3D printed. The rest of the shoe design, however, is created from a single molded piece of zellerFOAM TPU. The flexible material ensures there are no visible stitching marks and glue lines, but the web-like upper and angular midsole make the sneaker look straight out of the future.

The single-piece streamlined Air Max 1000 is designed to remain sturdy and supportive, while the flexible material will ensure it does not feel stiff on the feet. It will be available in two colors, the Black option version – limited to only 300 units will go live on Zellerfeld’s website on August 19, while the Oat option will be strictly available through a 10-minute draw on Nike’s SNKRS app the same day. The Air Max 1000 “Oat” has a muted beige look with an orange rendered in the heel. The Black silhouette has a  visible Air unit defined on the midsole in electric green. Nike suggests that, due to the limitations of 3D printing, the sneakers will be released in limited numbers only, but that doesn’t curtail the number of fans waiting in anticipation.

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GravaStar Mars Pro Bluetooth Speaker Looks Out of This World

Audio gear has evolved beyond pure functionality into statement pieces that define our personal spaces. While most Bluetooth speakers still play it safe with boring cylindrical designs, some brands are pushing boundaries. The GravaStar Mars Pro doesn’t just play music; it commands attention from across the room.

This isn’t your typical wireless speaker hiding discretely on a shelf. The Mars Pro looks like it crash-landed from a sci-fi movie, complete with mechanical details, tripod legs, and a glowing core that pulses with your music. It’s designed for people who want their tech to reflect their personality rather than blend into the background.

Designer: GravaStar

The design language screams futuristic warfare. Built from zinc alloy with exposed mechanical elements, the Mars Pro feels substantial and premium in ways that plastic competitors simply can’t match. The tripod legs provide rock-solid stability while giving the speaker an unmistakably alien presence that demands display space.

Two color options cater to different aesthetics. The Black variant offers sleek, stealthy appeal with clean lines that let the RGB lighting take center stage. The War Damaged Yellow tells a different story entirely, featuring distressed paint and weathered scarring that looks like battle damage from some distant conflict.

The customizable RGB lighting system transforms the Mars Pro into interactive art. Six dynamic lighting modes sync with your music, creating visual rhythms that match the audio. Whether you’re gaming, hosting friends, or just relaxing, the lighting adapts to create the right atmosphere for any moment.

Audio performance backs up the bold aesthetics with serious engineering. The dual speaker system combines a full-range driver with a passive bass radiator, delivering 20W of room-filling sound. Digital signal processing ensures balanced audio across all frequencies, while the unique tripod design helps distribute sound evenly throughout your space.

Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity provides stable wireless connections up to 50 feet, and the touch-sensitive volume slider adds another futuristic interaction point. The built-in microphone handles calls and voice assistants, while TWS pairing lets you connect two Mars Pro speakers for true stereo separation.

Battery life reaches up to 15 hours on a single charge, and USB-C charging keeps things modern and convenient. At 5.5 pounds, this isn’t a grab-and-go portable speaker, but rather a desktop sculpture that happens to deliver excellent audio performance.

The Mars Pro appeals to gamers, sci-fi enthusiasts, and anyone who views their tech as an extension of their identity. While conventional speakers from JBL or Bose focus on disappearing into your decor, GravaStar takes the opposite approach by making the speaker itself part of the entertainment experience.

The GravaStar Mars Pro proves that audio equipment doesn’t have to choose between performance and personality. Sometimes the most interesting products are the ones that refuse to play by established rules, creating entirely new categories in the process.

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Piet Hein Eek’s Kitchens Made from Repurposed Materials

At first blush, this appears to be a standard modern kitchen build:

But pan out, and you’ll see it’s been made with a ton of repurposed old windows and drawers.

It was done by Piet Hein Eek for a client in Utrecht. Among other projects, the Dutch designer has begun producing custom kitchens using repurposed materials. “Combining different styles/designs/functionalities and materials to create one amazing family home kitchen,” he writes of the Utrecht kitchen. “It’s been an immense amount of work and we’re so happy to finally see this come to life.”

Eek has other clients, and he’s been sharing in-progress shots of other kitchens on his Instagram:

There’s plenty more to see on both his website and Instagram.

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ASCII Art, But Done with Manual Typewriters!

Born in 1921, Paul Smith was an American with severe spastic cerebral palsy. His condition made it impossible for him to draw with a pencil or paint with a brush; however, Smith discovered that by using one hand to steady the other, he could press typewriter keys. He then began painstakingly creating art using a manual typewriter:

Smith limited his pallette to the symbol keys above the numbers, locking the shift key to use them.

It’s worth noting that this was well before ASCII art; Smith began doing this as a boy, in the 1930s. You can see a lot of his work here.

James Cook is a current-day Briton. Though he holds dual degress in Architecture, Cook learned of Smith’s work, decided to give it a go himself, and is today a full-time typewriter artist:

Cook changes the ribbons in order to get color. And as you can see in close-ups, he often uses relevant wording in the images:

Cook, who is based in London, sells prints of his work here.