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Seed Stories art installation also serves as ‘hotel’ for bees

Nestled in the heart of Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in West Sussex, a remarkable new installation is teaching us how art and science can unite for bee conservation. “Seed Stories” by visual artist Kristina Pulejkova is more than just a work of art. It is a thoughtful, practical contribution to pollinator conservation in the UK, blending sustainability, science, and digital technology in a way that feels both innovative and deeply meaningful.

“Seed Stories” features four striking wooden sculptures, each carefully crafted to serve as both an artwork and a bee hotel. Pulejkova’s vision was to create pieces that not only inspire the imagination but also provide real refuge for bees at a time when their habitats are increasingly threatened by environmental changes. The design of these pollinator hotels draws direct inspiration from the Millennium Seed Bank’s collection at Wakehurst. This seed bank is the largest underground resource of its kind in the world and plays a vital role in conserving wild plant species for the future. Pulejkova’s sculptures use untreated marine ply and cedar, materials chosen for their environmental compatibility, natural antifungal properties, and aromatic qualities. These choices help ensure that the hotels remain safe and comfortable for bees, especially during periods of extreme heat in British summers.

Designer: Kristina Pulejkova

The creation of “Seed Stories” was a truly collaborative process. Pulejkova worked closely with Dr Janine Griffiths-Lee, who leads the “Trees for Bees” habitat restoration initiative. Every detail of the pollinator hotels is rooted in scientific research. The entrance holes, for example, are based on data about bee preferences, while the color palette was selected for its appeal to the bees’ visual spectrum. Blues, yellows, and violets are favored, while reds and greens are avoided, reflecting how bees perceive color in nature. These design choices do more than attract bees. They allow researchers at Wakehurst to collect pollen left behind in the hotels, helping them study which species are drawn to different tree types. This transforms the installation into a living laboratory, offering valuable insights into how pollinators interact with their environment.

A unique feature of “Seed Stories” is its integration of digital technology. Each of the four sculptures includes an augmented reality (AR) experience, accessible through a dedicated app. When visitors scan the sculptures, they can enjoy interactive educational stories about specific seeds from the Millennium Seed Bank. These stories highlight the crucial role of the facility in climate preservation, biodiversity, and global food security, making the learning experience both engaging and memorable. By installing pollinator hotels directly within the landscape and aligning their design with ongoing scientific research, “Seed Stories” contributes to broader conservation efforts at Wakehurst. The project not only provides safe havens for bees but also promotes biodiversity and helps scientists better understand the delicate relationships between pollinators and plants.

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Innovative Tiny Home With Collapsible Roof Delivers Spacious Living & Ultimate Mobility

Few tiny homes manage to balance playfulness and practicality as effectively as the Owl’s Nest. Perched in Washington and once lovingly crafted by its owners, this self-built dwelling reimagines the genre with a signature move: a roof that folds down for the road, but rises high to unlock headroom and light once parked. The ingenuity here isn’t just in visual drama; it’s in how the home adapts, offering a full-height living experience while remaining entirely mobile.

Once you enter the home, you’re greeted by a space that feels far more generous than its footprint suggests. The living area is anchored by a large window, framing views of forest and sky and filling the main room with daylight. Storage is deftly integrated at every turn, from the paddle stairs ascending to the main loft, to niches and built-ins that keep clutter at bay. The kitchen is designed for real cooking, not just reheating, and the spa-like bathroom—rare for a home on wheels—echoes the comfort of a boutique retreat. Two sleeping lofts, both standing height when the roof is extended, create flexibility for family life, guests, or work.

Designer: Zoe Donovan & Family
Source: Tiny House Marketplace

The collapsible roof isn’t a typical party trick. It’s a carefully engineered solution that allows the house to travel legally down highways, where height restrictions often limit tiny house designs. When parked, the shed-style ends of the roof rise on hinges, transforming the silhouette and the sensation within. The result is a gabled form rich in character, with a cottage-core aesthetic accented by reclaimed materials and warm timber finishes. This mechanism, while simple to operate, is robust enough to withstand the weather, ensuring year-round comfort.

Every element of the tiny home reveals a respect for both landscape and lifestyle, from the compact but functional kitchen to the clever lofts that maximize privacy and utility. The use of recycled materials speaks to a sustainable mindset, while the layout feels intentional, inviting long, restful stays rather than fleeting visits. There’s a sense of continuity between inside and out—windows frame nature, and the collapsible roof invites the sky in.

Practicality doesn’t come at the expense of style. The cottage-inspired interior is punctuated by personal touches and a carefully curated palette. The design’s flexibility means it’s as suited to a growing family as it is to a couple seeking a retreat. The standing lofts, built-in nooks, and spa details elevate the experience well beyond what’s typical in the tiny house world, making daily rituals feel considered and special.

The Owl’s Nest redefines what a movable tiny home can be. Its unique selling proposition isn’t just the folding roof, but how that feature unlocks new possibilities for living well in a small, sustainable footprint. If you love the idea of taking home with you, without compromise, then this is a rare and thoughtful solution, beautifully executed and full of heart.

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World Architecture Festival 2025 Shortlist: Carbon-Positive Hotels and Material Breakthroughs That Could Change How We Build

The World Architecture Festival just dropped its 2025 shortlist, and the results reveal a design world obsessed with solving climate change through better buildings. Over 460 projects from 780+ global entries showcase everything from hotels that produce more energy than they use to concrete made from waste materials. The shortlist arrives ahead of WAF’s first-ever US event in Miami this November, where architects will present live to judges at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Why should you care about another architecture awards show? Because these projects represent the future of how we’ll live, work, and play in a world where every building must justify its carbon footprint. Studio Gang, Foster + Partners, and Bjarke Ingels Group compete alongside scrappy emerging studios pushing boundaries with mushroom leather and beetle-kill wood. The festival runs November 12-14 in the heart of Miami’s Art Deco District, where old-school glamour meets new-school sustainability.

America’s First Carbon-Positive Hotel Looks Like a Forest

Studio Gang’s Populus hotel in Denver leads the charge. The building claims to be America’s first carbon-positive hotel. It looks like a cluster of aspen trees sprouting from downtown concrete.

The technical magic happens in the facade system, where glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels mimic the natural “eyes” found on aspen bark. Studio Gang partnered with materials company Holcim to develop this specialized concrete mixture with lower embodied carbon than traditional formulations. Each curved panel creates a different window module, from dramatic 30-foot-tall arches at ground level to smaller residential-scale openings higher up. The “lids” over each window aren’t decorative afterthoughts; they angle according to solar orientation to shade interiors while channeling rainwater to keep the facade clean. This biomimetic approach solves multiple engineering challenges while creating a building that actually looks like it belongs in Colorado’s landscape.

The interior design extends this forest metaphor into spaces where people live and work. Wildman Chalmers Design used materials like Reishi mushroom leather and reclaimed beetle-kill wood from Colorado’s damaged forests.

But here’s where the project gets interesting for both architects and regular folks who care about climate change. The hotel’s lobby features elevator recordings of Colorado bird songs that change with the seasons and time of day, recorded by conservationist Jacob Job in Rocky Mountain National Park. The brown-stained concrete floor resembles scattered forest pebbles, while wood-shingled walls use trees killed by beetle infestations that plague Colorado’s forests. These aren’t just pretty details; they demonstrate how buildings can tell stories about their local environment while solving practical problems. The mushroom leather provides a sustainable alternative to traditional materials, the beetle-kill wood gives new life to trees that would otherwise rot, and the bird songs create acoustic environments that change throughout the day and year. This level of environmental integration shows how carbon-positive architecture can engage all the senses while meeting performance targets.

Material Science Meets Real-World Design Challenges

The shortlist reveals material innovation happening across different project types, budgets, and cultural contexts. CLOU architects’ Wuhan Snow World tackles winter recreation in temperate climates, GEOMIM’s Ritual Space in Turkey uses regional materials for contemporary spiritual architecture, and Foster + Partners’ Transamerica Pyramid renovation shows how to update 1970s landmarks without losing their iconic power.

Creative reuse dominates the conversation. Architects keep existing buildings while upgrading their performance.

The 157 future projects push boundaries even further, including a telescope enclosure in Chile that must protect sensitive optical equipment from seismic activity and temperature swings, plus a new Athens airport design that likely incorporates advanced composite materials for large-span structures. Interior projects numbered 64 on the shortlist, ranging from a rainforest hotel in Singapore that uses humidity-resistant materials to a Chongqing noodle bar designed with surfaces that withstand commercial kitchen heat. These projects demonstrate how material choices affect human experience at every scale, from the texture of a restaurant wall to the acoustic properties of a concert hall. The Singapore hotel creates comfort in tropical conditions without energy-intensive air conditioning, while the noodle bar balances durability with dining atmosphere. Landscape projects include a public plaza in London’s Canary Wharf that manages stormwater runoff and a wildlife eco park in Bhabua, India, that supports both habitat and community employment.

Why Miami Matters for Global Design

WAF’s first American edition positions the US as a sustainability leader. The Miami Beach Convention Center location connects to the city’s architectural heritage and growing design influence.

The festival’s live presentation format allows architects to explain their material choices and design decisions directly to the 164-judge panel representing 37 countries, including Ma Yansong from MAD Architects and Joyce Owens, whose practice focuses on sustainable design strategies. This face-to-face interaction matters because it lets designers communicate the thinking behind their innovations, not just the final results. Miami’s selection acknowledges America’s increasing influence on global sustainability standards, while the city’s vulnerability to sea level rise makes it an appropriate venue for discussions about resilient architecture and climate adaptation. The festival’s timing coincides with growing American adoption of European sustainability standards and carbon accounting methods that are becoming standard practice worldwide. The November 12-14 event schedule includes keynote talks, networking events, and a gala dinner where overall winners are announced, providing opportunities for industry professionals to connect with potential collaborators while design enthusiasts get a comprehensive look at where architecture is heading in response to climate change.

The Bigger Picture Behind the Awards

These projects matter because they’re not just pretty buildings. They’re testing grounds for technologies we’ll need everywhere.

The WAF shortlist functions as a global laboratory for sustainable design, where architects experiment with materials and methods that could become standard practice within a decade. Carbon-positive buildings like Populus prove that structures can produce more energy than they consume, while creative reuse projects show how to preserve embodied energy in existing buildings. Material innovations from mushroom leather to beetle-kill wood demonstrate how architects can turn environmental problems into design opportunities. The festival’s international scope ensures that solutions developed in one climate or culture can be adapted for different contexts, accelerating the spread of sustainable practices across the global design community.

The Miami event will showcase these innovations to American audiences increasingly concerned about climate change and building performance. Industry professionals will gain access to technical details and networking opportunities that could influence their next projects.

The festival’s live presentation format creates a unique environment where architects must defend their design decisions to expert judges, ensuring that sustainability claims are backed by real performance data rather than marketing language. This accountability matters in a field where greenwashing can undermine genuine progress toward carbon neutrality and environmental responsibility.

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Lumera is a modern side table with built-in lamp and wireless charging for everyday convenience

A center table in the living room or a nightstand by your bedside is no longer just about design, craftsmanship, or aesthetic appeal—it now needs to do more. Tables today are expected to meet consumers’ evolving needs by offering features like device charging, lighting, and personal storage. If you’ve attended an international design event recently, you might be inclined to disagree. Designers are taking us into a wonderland of furniture (especially tables) that showcase elegant curves, intricate woodworking, and sustainable materials. But if you consider our shifting priorities in everyday life, convenience is of paramount importance. That’s where the demand for tables that serve as all-in-one hubs is shooting through the roof.

The Lumera concept responds directly to this shift. Presented as a modern side table, Lumera combines the softness of organic design with the silent intelligence of embedded functionality. Its aesthetic leans into a calming minimalism—rounded contours, balanced proportions, and a harmonious blend of materials that make it feel less like a standalone object and more like a natural extension of the space it inhabits.

Designer: Vladimir Dubrovin

The design appears to subtly accommodate lighting, hidden drawers, and possibly wireless charging, all the features expected from future-ready furniture, yet it achieves this without visual clutter or overt gadgetry. This serves as a quiet alternative to overtly tech-laden furniture, making it appealing for those who want functionality without sacrificing atmosphere. The use of materials also plays a significant role in Lumera’s appeal. It seems to feature warm, tactile finishes, perhaps solid wood tops paired with fluted or tambour-style bases, that nod to naturalism and sustainability. These textures offer a break from cold, synthetic surfaces, inviting touch and daily use while elevating the surrounding space. It’s a table that fits effortlessly beside a bed, sofa, or lounge chair, providing practical storage and light while blending into diverse interior palettes.

What intrigues me most about the concept design is its concealed nightstand that props up with the touch of a button to set the right ambiance. This is especially useful when side table space is a premium, and you don’t have to get a separate table lamp for your nighttime wind-down routine. By the morning, when it’s time to get going, the lamp conceals back into the bottom of the table housing. Thus, you can use it in other sections of the home as well. The separately divided top section of the table lets you organize essential things without any visual clutter, and the tabletop rotates in any direction depending on your needs.

The growing appeal of such hybrid furniture reflects a wider cultural evolution. People are seeking simplicity, but not at the cost of convenience. They want furniture that does more while taking up less mental and physical space. Lumera is a response to that desire is a side table that fits today’s rhythm, where our objects must do more but look like they’re doing less.

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GameCard Turns Raspberry Pi Into the World’s Slimmest Retro Handheld

The retro gaming revival has produced countless handhelds, but few have dared to reimagine the very concept of portable gaming quite like this. Grant Sinclair, nephew of ZX Spectrum inventor Sir Clive Sinclair, has created the GamerCard, a Raspberry Pi-powered handheld that’s literally the size and shape of a retail gift card. At just 6.5mm thick and weighing only 100 grams, it challenges everything we think we know about handheld console design.

What makes the GamerCard extraordinary isn’t just its ultra-thin profile, but how it embraces an entirely different design philosophy. While most handhelds chase the chunky, ergonomic aesthetic of traditional gaming devices, the GamerCard opts for something radically minimal. The device features a 4-inch square IPS display with 254 PPI density, protected by sapphire glass and sandwiched between layers in a patented PCB construction that eliminates bulky casing entirely.

Designer: Grant Sinclair

The Design Revolution

The engineering behind this design is genuinely impressive. The GamerCard packs a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, 512MB of RAM, and 128GB of storage into its impossibly thin form factor. An integrated heat sink ensures stable performance despite the minimal thickness, while a 1,600mAh battery provides reasonable gaming sessions without adding bulk.

The control scheme is equally unconventional. Instead of traditional buttons and thumbsticks, the GamerCard uses large silicone control pads on the front and smaller shoulder pads on the back. This creates a unique tactile experience that’s more akin to operating a high-tech touch interface than a conventional gamepad, though it might take some getting used to for traditional gaming enthusiasts.

Innovation in Miniaturization

The device isn’t just about gaming either. With built-in Qwiic, USB-C, and HDMI ports, it can transform into a complete Raspberry Pi-powered computer when connected to peripherals. This modularity extends its utility far beyond retro gaming into education, development, and general computing, making it a versatile tool for makers and educators who appreciate the Raspberry Pi ecosystem.

The GamerCard supports emulators like RetroPie, Recalbox, and Lakka, enabling it to play thousands of games from classic systems. It also comes with preloaded arcade games and supports PICO-8 development, offering both immediate entertainment and creative possibilities for those interested in game development or coding education.

Quick Answers

What is the GamerCard?
A gift card-sized handheld gaming console powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, featuring a 4-inch square display and the ability to run thousands of retro games through emulation.
What games can it run?
The GamerCard supports classic system emulators and comes with preloaded arcade games, plus compatibility with PICO-8 for indie game development.
How does it compare to other retro consoles?
At 6.5mm thick and 100 grams, it’s significantly thinner and lighter than any comparable handheld, though it sacrifices traditional gaming ergonomics for extreme portability.

Can you build your own Raspberry Pi handheld?
Yes, but the GamerCard’s ultra-thin design requires specialized PCB construction and engineering that would be difficult to replicate in a DIY project.

The Trade-offs

Of course, this radical approach to handheld design comes with trade-offs. The unconventional control scheme may not suit everyone, particularly those accustomed to traditional gaming layouts. The square screen, while visually striking, isn’t ideal for all classic games designed for different aspect ratios. Battery life, while respectable, can’t match larger devices with more substantial power cells.

The £125 ($170) price point also positions it as more of a premium curiosity than a mainstream gaming device. It’s clearly designed for enthusiasts, collectors, and those who appreciate innovative design over pure gaming performance, making it a fascinating example of how thoughtful engineering can completely reframe our expectations of portable gaming hardware.

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KFC Partnered With Asus ROG to release themed keycaps that come free with your burger

The mechanical keyboard community has seen some wild collaborations over the years, but KFC China teaming up with ASUS ROG to create branded keycaps might just take the cake. Or should I say, take the bucket? These aren’t your typical artisan keycaps crafted by boutique makers in limited runs of 50 units. This is a fast-food giant diving headfirst into enthusiast keyboard territory, and honestly, the execution is surprisingly solid.

To be honest, it isn’t the first time KFC’s tried wooing the gaming community. In 2020, they debuted the KFConsole, a gaming PC designed to take aim at Xbox and PlayStation. Although this particular ‘campaign’ isn’t as elaborate, it isn’t vaporware either. These keycaps are ACTUALLY available at KFC Chin outlets, along with a Wagyu burger that comes branded with the ASUS ROG logo. Why? I honestly don’t know…

Designers: KFC & Asus ROG

The keycap set itself consists of six pieces that blend both brands’ visual identities with surprising restraint. You get the obvious KFC branding key, individual “K,” “F,” and “C” keycaps rendered in that unmistakable red and white striped pattern, plus an ROG logo cap and a double-width “CAPS” key featuring Chinese text that translates to “lock on | wagyu.” The color palette sticks to KFC’s signature red and white with ROG’s black accents, creating a cohesive look that feels oddly complementary. The keycaps are designed for ASUS’s NX keyboard series but feature standard Cherry MX-compatible stems, meaning they’ll work on most enthusiast boards. Some users are already arranging the keys in, ahem, predictable ways, starting with the F, and ending with the K. I’m pretty sure ASUS and KFC both saw this from a mile away.

This whole thing emerged from KFC China’s “Fortress of Faith” campaign, which ran for just three days in late June and paired these keycaps with Wagyu beef burgers for about $5.60. The campaign also included prize draws for full ROG gaming rigs and peripherals, but the keycaps were the guaranteed takeaway. The limited availability window and China-only release have already created a secondary market, with sets appearing on Taobao and international resale platforms at inflated prices.

Image Credits: Weibo

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Birdhouse Modular Tiny House: Tree Tents’ Flatpack, Scandinavian-Inspired Glamping Cabin

The Birdhouse Modular Tiny House by Tree Tents represents a fresh approach to prefab design that borrows from children’s building blocks. This Scandinavian-inspired flatpack system addresses real challenges in modular construction: transport costs, site accessibility, and design flexibility. How does a modular tiny house solve the problems that plague traditional prefab homes? The Birdhouse Modular tackles these issues through its component-based assembly system that ships flat and builds up. Wood and aluminum construction meets practical engineering in this 2025 release from the UK-based company. The system adapts to difficult terrain through its stilted foundation approach. This design philosophy challenges conventional thinking about sustainable modular homes and outdoor living structures.

Designer: Tree Tents

Birdhouse Modular Tiny House Key Features

Modular, expandable system with Lego-like assembly

Wood and aluminum construction for durability

Flatpack delivery worldwide for easy transport

Optional porch and outdoor kitchen for extended living

Stilted foundation for rough terrain installation

Panoramic windows with Scandinavian design aesthetic

Starting at $32,000 for original Birdhouse model

What Makes the Birdhouse Modular Tiny House Different?

The Birdhouse Modular solves a fundamental problem in prefab design: how to ship large structures economically. Each prefab tiny house component fits into standard shipping containers, dramatically reducing transport costs compared to traditional modular homes. The system uses wood and aluminum materials chosen for their strength-to-weight ratio rather than pure aesthetics. Tree Tents engineered the connections to require basic tools, eliminating the need for specialized construction crews.

Outdoor kitchens integrate as separate modules rather than built-in features, allowing owners to customize their layout. The porch system extends living space without requiring foundation work. The modular design means components can be reconfigured or relocated, addressing one of prefab housing’s biggest limitations. Installation on difficult terrain becomes possible through the adjustable stilt system that adapts to slopes and uneven ground.

Each module incorporates panoramic windows that serve both aesthetic and practical purposes by maximizing daylight in compact spaces. The Scandinavian design language emphasizes function over decoration, with clean lines that hide complex engineering. Interior spaces convert between uses through clever furniture design that maximizes square footage efficiency. The system demonstrates how modular construction can move beyond cookie-cutter solutions toward truly flexible architecture.

Tree Tents’ Design Philosophy: Elevation and Modularity

Tree Tents built their reputation on elevated cabins that minimize environmental impact while maximizing views. The company’s approach contrasts sharply with ground-based tiny house designs that require extensive site preparation. Their product ecosystem includes the original Tree Tent suspended structure, the Fuselage all-terrain cabin, and the Airspace canvas system. Each product addresses different use cases while maintaining the elevation principle. This design consistency creates a coherent brand identity in the crowded tiny house market.

The original Birdhouse model costs $32,000 and measures 84 square feet, positioning it in the premium tiny house segment. The modular version expands the addressable market by offering scalability that fixed-size units cannot match. Tree Tents uses made-to-order production to avoid inventory costs while allowing customization. The elevated construction method preserves natural drainage patterns and minimizes site disturbance compared to traditional foundations.

Design Context: How Birdhouse Modular Fits the Prefab Market

The modular housing market has fragmented into distinct segments serving different needs and budgets. Nestron targets the high-tech market with earthquake-resistant units starting around $59,000 that include smart home features. These finished units arrive ready for immediate occupancy but sacrifice customization for convenience. Koto Design offers Scandinavian-inspired prefab cabins that share aesthetic DNA with the Birdhouse Modular but use different construction methods.

Budget-focused manufacturers produce container-based options starting under $20,000 that prioritize affordability over design refinement. These utilitarian approaches serve the housing crisis market but lack the design sophistication that drives premium pricing. IdeaBox positions itself as the “IKEA of prefab houses,” offering extensive customization through standardized components. Dvele focuses on performance features like air filtration and energy efficiency that appeal to health-conscious buyers.

The Glamping Design Connection

Glamping operators drive demand for structures like the Birdhouse Modular because they need Instagram-worthy designs that photograph well. Lancaster Log Cabins serves the rustic market with traditional wood construction that appeals to nostalgia. Norida Pods offers modern minimalist designs that attract urban guests seeking clean, simple experiences. Glitzcamp specializes in luxury domes and safari pods that command premium rates through distinctive aesthetics.

Tree Tents differentiates itself by combining treehouse nostalgia with modular flexibility that allows site-specific customization. Their elevated designs create photogenic moments that guests share on social media, generating organic marketing for glamping operators. The company’s sustainability messaging aligns with environmentally conscious travelers who want luxury experiences without environmental guilt. This combination of visual appeal and eco-credentials helps operators justify higher rates while attracting repeat customers.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Birdhouse Modular Tiny House

Can the Birdhouse Modular be expanded after installation?
Yes, the modular system allows adding rooms, decks, or utility spaces. The component-based design makes expansion straightforward compared to traditional construction.

Is the Birdhouse Modular suitable for off-grid living?
Tree Tents offers solar power options and composting toilet systems for remote locations. The elevated cabin design works well in areas without traditional utilities.

How long does it take to assemble a Birdhouse Modular?
The flatpack delivery system enables assembly with basic tools. Most installations complete within days rather than the weeks required for traditional modular homes.

For more coverage of modular tiny house innovations and glamping design trends, explore our archive of prefab architecture and sustainable outdoor living stories.

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Urbanisto modular e-bike adapts to your life

If I lived in a city that gives priority to bike and e-bike commuters, I would probably rethink my decision not to learn how to ride a bike. Unfortunately, I don’t. But if you do live in one, then you have several options for regular bikes and e-bikes available. If you’re someone who hauls kids, groceries, or boxes around town, a cargo ebike is an excellent solution. But do you really want to own a separate, smaller, more nimble ebike for everyday commuting? With the Urbanisto, you don’t have to choose. This innovative, transformable bike lets you enjoy both worlds with a single purchase.

Hailing from a Dutch startup of the same name, the Urbanisto recently received an award at Eurobike 2025 in Frankfurt, Germany—an impressive nod to its design and versatility. When you’re not carrying anything extra, it functions as a conventional ebike, perfect for city commuting. When your plans (or your cargo) change, the bike quickly converts into one of two cargo ebike options.

Designer: Urbanisto

Switching between modes couldn’t be easier. The transformation is performed entirely by hand, takes just seconds, and requires no tools. To switch to “cargo bike” mode, simply loosen a wing nut on the side of the head tube and release a coupler in the front brake hose. This allows you to remove the fork and front wheel. Next, insert the connector from the cargo module into the head tube and push it down until it clicks securely. Reconnect the brake hose, and you’re ready to go.

If you’re using it in cargo mode, there are two options. The closed-sided module is meant for transporting up to two small children, seated side by side for extra safety and comfort. The open-sided module, meanwhile, can be used when you’re transporting larger cargo items like boxes, groceries, and deliveries. It gives you the flexibility to carry just about anything. Both modules are equipped with a Suntour Mobie34 CGO-Boost suspension fork, offering 100 mm of coil-sprung travel. This setup helps smooth out bumps and rough city roads, ensuring a comfortable ride even when fully loaded.

The bike is powered by a Bosch Smart System Performance Line motor, delivering 75Nm of torque for strong, smooth acceleration. Depending on your battery choice (400Wh to 725Wh), you’ll get up to 110 km of range as a standard ebike. With either cargo module attached, expect a battery range of about 80 km (roughly 50 miles), which is still more than enough for most daily needs. Safety is top-notch, with Magura MT5 hydraulic brakes and Schwalbe Big Ben+ tires for reliable stopping and grip in all conditions.

Urbanisto was born from the frustration of owning too many specialized bikes. Founder Benjamin Declercq, a mechanical engineer, wanted one bike to do it all: commute, carry family, and handle heavy loads. The result is a truly modular, award-winning ebike that adapts to your changing needs and helps clear the garage. It is available for pre-order and test rides in the Netherlands. If you’re a commuter, a parent, or simply want more from your bike, Urbanisto delivers flexibility, practicality, and fun in one smart package.

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