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Meet Torsus Praetorian, world’s toughest bus-sized luxury motorhome fashioned for off-road expeditions

Off-roading is, for now, limited to a handful of people driving in a pickup truck or an expedition vehicle that fits no more than eight. What if you’re a team of 16 or a group of 32 classmates planning an off-roading adventure? Thankfully, Torsus has taken it upon itself to build the “Mad Max of coaches;” a 35-seater off-road bus, which can handle pretty much any terrain you can think of, even if it’s driving up to a live volcano.

This is the Torsus Praetorian, and it has been up to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, which is just under 11,000 ft., with Gear Magazine’s Tom Ford in charge. Developed by Torsus, a brand of husband-and-wife-run Pulsar Expo, which is headquartered in the Czech Republic and has its production facilities in Slovakia, the Praetorian is an all-terrain bus based on a MAN TGM 4×4 chassis and created especially for transporting miners, emergency personnel, and more.

Designer: Torsus, All4Bus and Dämmler

Built for harsh environments, the Torsus Praetorian features plastic body panels that are easy to replace. It weighs 13,400 kg, has a 6.9-litre straight-six diesel engine which produces 290bhp and 848 lb-ft torque. That torque is transmitted to all four wheels through a 12-speed gearbox, which paired with air suspension and all-terrain tires makes the Praetorian a ride to be on when you want a tough carrier for your adventure. If you’re thinking how crazy Torsus Praetorian would make for a motorhome? You’re wish is granted!

While an all-electric version of the Praetorian may be in the works, Torsus Praetorian Liberra, a.k.a the ExpeditionLiner, a first of its kind off-road motorhome is almost here. Created jointly by All4Bus and Dämmler, the Liberra is a standard Torsus Praetorian on the outside and in rugged professionalism, with a tweak in the interior to fashion it into an “expedition liner,” a large, bus-sized luxury motorhome fashioned for expeditions. The Liberra comes in two layouts, which are pretty alike in the front portion, whlie the bed in the rear changes completely in orientation from one layout to the other.

On the front (right behind the cabin) is a two-person seating section, with individual seats side by side. The seamless interior is completely open, sans any partitions for privacy. Right behind is the kitchen slab laid out with a four-burner stove and an oven. The sink is on a separate section of the countertop, discreetly keeping the dry area from the wet workstation. The kitchen has ample storage space underneath the countertop and also makes room for a 90-liter fridge.

On the other side, behind the driver seat, is the dinette with two benches and a dining table, a contraption that becomes a double bed by night, ensuring that the Liberra, along with the master bedroom in the extreme end, can sleep up to four people very comfortably. The wet bathroom alongside comprises a shower and toilet. The motorhome’s electrical needs are taken care of by a 3,000W inverter. It has a 250-liter fresh water tank and a rooftop air conditioner for extended time on the rough terrains. All4Bus and Dämmler are planning to get the Torsus Praetorian Liberra into production for approximately $650,000 (€550,000).

 

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rippling red metal panels form fiery facade for taiwanese restaurant by paperfarm

Paperfarm wraps Michelin-starred restaurant with red facade

 

In Kaohsiung, Taiwan, architecture studio Paperfarm unveils the bold transformation of Old New Taiwanese Cuisine, a Michelin-starred restaurant whose facade was damaged during a typhoon. Rather than restore its faux-historic wooden screen, the architects reimagine the building as a vibrant dialogue between past and present. Now wrapped in 1,080 rippling red metal panels, the structure reclaims its identity through material clarity and street-level impact, casting a fresh light on Taiwanese culinary heritage.

the faux-historic wooden screen that was replaced | all images courtesy of Paperfarm

 

 

perforated rippling facade evokes flames in Kaohsiung

 

Paperfarm’s design reflects the restaurant’s name by fusing cultural memory with contemporary expression. Instead of mimicking history, the new facade embraces authenticity over imitation. The bold red exterior — sourced from the restaurant’s branding — redefines its urban presence and signals a renewed architectural character rooted in craft and cuisine.

 

The perforated metal panels, designed by the US- and Taiwan-based studio, vary in size, angle, and transparency to form a rhythmic facade animated by shifting light. Their rippling effect evokes rising flames, referencing both the searing heat of wok cooking and Kaohsiung’s industrial legacy. Prefabricated and modular, the system allows for fast installation and offers built-in resilience against typhoons and earthquakes.

day view of front facade 

the bold red exterior redefines the restaurant’s urban presence

the facade is wrapped in 1,080 rippling red metal panels

the facade looks like an elevated bold red box

the rippling effect pf the screen evokes rising flames

prefabricated and modular, the system allows for fast installation

concealed emergency exits are integrated into the facade

Paperfarm’s design reflects the restaurant’s name

night view of the front facade

the fiery facade is highlighted at night

the restaurant sign at night

 

 

project info:

 

 

name: Flame & Flavor – A Red Cloak (Old New Taiwanese Cuisine)
architect: Paperfarm Inc
location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom

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DIY Minimalist Desk With Invisible Power Wires Promises a Tidy Tech Future

Wireless charging is showing up everywhere these days, promising a life without tangled cords and cluttered outlets. Still, as cool as it sounds, today’s wireless charging often feels a little underwhelming. You have to find the exact spot on the pad, and your device needs to be pressed right up against it. Most of the time, it is just enough to top up your phone, but not much else.

For those dreaming of a world where you can drop anything on your desk and watch it light up, the wait might not be as far off as it seems. Thanks to a jaw-dropping DIY project, the idea of a truly wireless workspace is not just wishful thinking anymore. This clever build pulls back the curtain and shows what it really looks like to have a desk without a single cable peeking out.

Designer: Matthew Perks (DIY Perks)

The secret sauce behind this futuristic setup is a technology from Etherdyne (ETI) which delivers an impressive 100W of power completely through the air. It is not a commercial product just yet, but it is light-years ahead of the average charging pad. The challenge is not the tech itself, but making it work in a way that fits into everyday life so that ordinary people can see the appeal.

The desk itself is a work of art, crafted from plywood not just for its looks, but for its function. Wood does not block the magnetic fields that power the system, and it is easy to shape and modify for all the hidden electronics. The result is a workspace that looks natural and timeless, with every bit of magic tucked away inside the panels and legs.

Of course, a little bit of wiring is still lurking beneath the surface. The main cable running from the wall socket to the power supply, along with the one looping around the desk to create the wireless “bubble,” are all cleverly hidden. Even the Framework Laptop mainboard, which acts as the desk’s built-in computer, is stowed away with its own power cord, out of sight and out of mind.

The real showstopper is what happens on the surface. Keyboards and mice keep the illusion alive with their own batteries, but the real stars are the custom-modified speakers, microphone, and monitor stand. Each one was painstakingly altered to draw power from the desk’s invisible field, meaning everything works without any cords trailing across the desk. Pulling this off is no small feat; it is definitely a project for the hardcore DIY crowd.

There are still plenty of hurdles to jump before everyone can enjoy a cable-free desk, especially the price tag for this kind of setup. But this build is a glimpse of what the future could look like, a promise that someday, we might finally get to say goodbye to the cable jungle for good.

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This retro-futuristic smartwatch is rugged by design and precise by purpose

In an era where smartwatches increasingly adopt sleek, minimalist aesthetics and glossy facades, designers are exploring alternative paths that celebrate character over conformity. The Retro‑Future Wrist Tech concept challenges conventional norms with a rugged, industrial silhouette and a deliberately pixelated font that evokes the vibe of early digital watches. This design reframes wearable tech with nostalgic cues and tactile authenticity, diverging sharply from the polished, edge‑to‑edge displays dominating today’s market.

At first glance, the design reminds me of the bold geometry and exposed hardware of Nothing’s devices. Its body appears engineered rather than art‑directed, embracing functional aesthetics. Think robust plastic bezel, visible fasteners, and a screen typeface that wouldn’t look out of place in an ’80s Casio. This aesthetic choice suggests purposeful restraint: each visual element serves a purpose, avoiding superfluous flourishes. The monochrome display and oversized pixel font deliver clarity and charm, reminiscent of Game Boy menus or retro computing interfaces.

Designer: Jacek Janiczak

Under the surface, the concept maintains the essential features modern users expect: notifications, activity tracking, and health monitoring. Yet the keystone here is emotional resonance offering tactile engagement, analog textures, and a visual language that feels more human than glassy. For individuals tired of interchangeable rectangular smartwatches, Jani­czak’s proposal presents a refreshing alternative that prioritizes design integrity over compliance with market homogeneity.

This design sits at the crossroads of two distinct movements. On one side is retro‑futurism, characterized by its reverence for past visions of tomorrow in structured forms, chunky materials, and typographic nods to the digital dawn. On the other side lies the influence of Nothing and similar tech hardware that foregrounds honesty in materials, utilitarian construction, and a defiant rejection of minimal blandness. Janiczak successfully merges these with a singular vision: a smartwatch that feels lived‑in, engineered, and surprisingly fresh amid silicon and glass.

The font choice reinforces the concept’s narrative. Instead of striving for sleek, anti‑aliased typefaces, the sharp, pixel‑perfect characters lay bare the illusion. This is new-age tech, yes… but tech with visible roots. The result feels sincere, playfully even, and disarmingly approachable. It’s easy to envisage a watchface that cycles through digital readouts, chunky icons, and perhaps even simple animations that mimic retro game sprites. Crucially, the concept’s physical framing honed by a thick bezel, screw accents, and robust strap attachments conveys endurance. It tells a story of being tapped, worn, and lived with, distancing itself from devices meant solely to be looked at.

Retro‑Future Wrist Tech may not be destined for mass production, but it asks important questions: What if smartwatches had personality? What if their look reflected craftsmanship instead of assembly‑line precision? Janiczak’s proposal doesn’t just add a new model to the wearable gallery, it offers a reminder of the power of thoughtful design, where form and narrative align to shape inanimate objects into meaningful, memorable experiences.

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A Graphics Card That’s Actually a PC Brings a New Twist to Tech Humor

Graphics cards are usually seen as sidekicks for your computer, responsible for making games look stunning and videos run smoothly. Still, if you take a closer look, these beefy components are practically computers all by themselves, with processors and memory dedicated to crunching numbers at lightning speed. Some of today’s most jaw-dropping tech, from AI to 3D design, wouldn’t even be possible without the raw horsepower that graphics cards bring to the table.

Now, imagine flipping that idea on its head. Instead of a graphics card boosting a PC, what if the card was the computer? The GeeFarce 5027POS takes this playful concept and runs with it, squeezing an entire mini PC into the shell of a retired graphics card. You can even slide it into a desktop case just like any other GPU, although at that point, it’s more about the spectacle than actual performance.

Designer: CherryTree Computers

From the outside, this gadget is a dead ringer for a high-end graphics card, the kind that makes your wallet wince and your friends green with envy. But the punchline is what’s inside: an ASUS NUC 13 Pro, a plucky mini computer powered by an Intel Core i7-1360P, 64GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD. It’s got enough muscle for browsing, office work, and maybe a bit of retro gaming, but when it comes to demanding graphics or AI, it’s all show and no go. Yes, the irony is probably lost on no one.

The fans are still spinning, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this thing is ready for a marathon gaming session. The original heatsink is gone, so the cooling system is more for looks than for keeping the CPU frosty. Instead of drawing power from the PCIe slot like a real graphics card, the GeeFarce 5027POS relies on an external power supply. Yes, you can slot it in for a laugh, but it’s not actually talking to the rest of your computer.

That’s part of the charm, though. The GeeFarce 5027POS isn’t about breaking benchmarks or chasing high scores. It’s a wink and a nudge at how gigantic and over-the-top graphics cards have become, poking fun at the idea by stuffing a working computer into a housing meant for something much more powerful. It’s the kind of thing you show off to friends, a conversation starter that proves sometimes, the joke really is on the inside. For anyone who loves a good tech gag, this is a collector’s dream. The GeeFarce 5027POS is proof that there’s always room for a little fun in the world of computer hardware, especially when the hardware is big enough to hide a whole other computer inside.

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Comfortable and aesthetic rocker is made from a single plywood

I’m not really particular when it comes to furniture design as I’m the kind of person that would go for something that is functional and when needed, comfortable. But there are a lot of product designers out there that would continue to push the boundaries of traditional forms and use new techniques and materials to craft something different. It’s minds like this that come up with pieces that can be both avant-garde and familiar at the same time.

The Curvesse Rocker by Dashiell Schaeffer stands as a striking example of this philosophy, blending traditional comfort with modern minimalism and ingenious engineering. It sets out to challenge what a conventional rocking chair looks like and how it’s produced and come up with something that is visually sleek and functionally sound. What really makes this unique though is that it is constructed from a single sheet of plywood.

Designer: Dashiell Schaeffer

Schaeffer, an industrial design student at Pratt Institute, spent five months focusing on this unique rocking chair, dealing with various issues like form, balance, and the all-important comfort factor. What came out looks like a seamless, flowing shape with an elegant and contemporary silhouette while still offering ergonomic support, which is crucial for a rocker. It’s designed to be really comfortable with the contours of the seat and backrest cradling the body while giving a relaxing rocking motion.

The chair’s form is distinguished by its continuous curves and absence of unnecessary joints or supports. This is achieved through precise cutting and bending of plywood, demonstrating both material efficiency and structural integrity. The minimalistic design not only enhances aesthetics but also reduces waste, aligning with sustainable design practices. Its lightweight yet sturdy build makes it suitable for a variety of modern living spaces, from living rooms to creative studios.

While I may personally prioritize utility and comfort over avant-garde aesthetics, it’s hard not to appreciate the vision and dedication that go into projects like the Curvesse Rocker. Dashiell Schaeffer’s work reminds us that furniture design is not just about meeting basic needs but is also about reimagining what’s possible and bringing a fresh perspective to everyday objects. The Curvesse Rocker doesn’t just serve its function; it tells a story of innovation, craftsmanship, and the potential of sustainable materials. Even for those of us who usually opt for the tried and true, pieces like this invite us to look at our surroundings with a new sense of curiosity and admiration for the creative minds shaping the spaces we live in.

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Aircela Says Their Machine Makes Carbon-Neutral Gasoline Out of Thin Air

An NYC-based startup called Aircela claims they’ve invented a machine that creates gasoline out of thin air. As in, vehicle-ready gasoline that you can pour into a car. Perhaps most incredibly, they say this gasoline is carbon-neutral. Although the gasoline will emit CO2 when used, it was created out of CO2, and thus doesn’t add any new CO2 to the atmosphere. Meaning they’ve technically just recycled the CO2.

For that claim to hold, of course, the machine must be powered by renewable electricity. Assuming you’ve got a source, here’s how the machine performs its feat, according to the company:

I. Capturing Carbon from the Air
Aircela’s machine uses a water-based solution containing potassium hydroxide (KOH) to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from ambient air. Air flows through a specially designed chamber where it contacts the liquid sorbent, efficiently capturing CO2.

II. Producing Hydrogen from Water
We use electrolysis — powered by renewable electricity — to split water (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is kept for fuel synthesis; the oxygen is safely released. At the same time, the sorbent used in the capture step is regenerated for reuse, allowing the cycle to run continuously.

III. Synthesizing Fuel
The captured CO2 and hydrogen are combined to create methanol. That methanol is then converted into gasoline through a two-step catalytic process known as methanol-to-gasoline (MTG). The result is fossil-free, engine-ready gasoline — fully compatible with existing engines and infrastructure.

Aircela says the machine can produce one gallon of gasoline over a 24-hour period, and that it’s 90 octane “or higher.”

The company envisions the machines being owned by households…

…or at network scale:

So is this real? It appears so; it’s attracted multiple well-known investors including Jeff Ubben, the activist investor who sits on ExxonMobil’s board. That said, there have been no third-party studies conducted yet who have verified Aircela’s claims.

At press time the company had not revealed how much one of their machines would cost.

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Infinite Machine’s Cyber-Utilitarian Olto E-Bike

Though it looks more like a scooter, this Olto E-Bike was designed specifically for bike lanes. Created by NYC-based transportation startup Infinite Machine, the Olto was designed with what I can only call a cyber-utilitarian aesthetic.

The Olto is well-proportioned, getting right what the Tesla Cybertruck got wrong. When you nail proportions and get angles right, it imbues the design with confidence, which is further evinced here by the unadorned welded steel and anodized aluminum body. There are no extraneous stylistic elements here. It’s clean, modern and beautiful.

It’s also available in all black.

It has a 40-mile range and can hit a top speed of 20 mph. It takes 5.5 hours to get a full charge.

Here’s where the removable rechargeable battery goes:

To fully appreciate the design, you really need to see how this thing works. Check out the magnetic folding pedals, the flip-out passenger footpegs, the hanging hooks beneath the seat:

One hurdle to owning one is its weight. At 176 lbs, only those who live in elevator buildings would be able to keep this in their apartments; otherwise it would have to live outside. City dwellers might not be comfortable leaving a $3,500 machine, locked or not, in full view of thieves.

The Olto is currently in production and will be available for sale later this year.

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Bose’s new summer-ready devices wants to go on vacation with you

Summer is almost here, at least if you live in the U.S or the Northern Hemisphere. This also means that brands will be going all out when it comes to all their summer-themed campaigns and products. If you’re the kind of person who likes to change gadgets and devices to match the season, then you might want to pay attention to Bose’s latest drop.

The audio device giant has dropped a fresh lineup of summer-ready audio gear, spotlighting next-gen earbuds and portable speakers that promise top-tier sound performance, enhanced features, and eye-catching new colorways. These new releases aren’t just about technical improvements as they also embrace the season’s vibrant energy through bold design choices. And since summer-inspired aesthetics are making a comeback in tech products, Bose is jumping on the trend with refreshed palettes that include a cheerful, sun-drenched yellow.

Designer: Bose

The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen now has enhanced adaptive active noise cancellation using AI-driven algorithms to smooth out sudden sound spikes (like sirens or traffic) for a more natural listening experience. The call quality has also improved through hearing-aid tech which cuts wind and background noise giving you crisper conversations. There are also new wax-guard eartips to maintain both hygiene and audio clarity. The new earbuds will be available in black, white smoke, and deep plum.

Meanwhile, there’s also a 2nd Gen updated version of the SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker that is for those that will be traveling this summer and need a compact and clip-ready audio companion. it has better high-frequency clarity and maintains the same robust low end and two passive radiators. Battery life has been doubled to 12 hours since this is of course a portable device. It also now has a removable strap and an IP67 rating as well as app-based features like EQ and stereo pairing.

The new kid on the block is the SoundLink Plus Portable Speaker, a mid-range powerhouse that bridges the gap between the SoundLink Flex and Max. You have 1 tweeter, 1 subwoofer, and 4 passive radiators to give you a rich, bass-forward stereo sound. It is ready for the outdoors with its IP67 waterproof/dustpoof rating and floatable design plus a rugged powder-coated grille and silicone frame. It sports a 20-hour battery life and can also act as a power bank because of its reverse USB-C port. It’s available in Black, Blue Dusk, and the summer-themed Citrus Yellow.

So whether you’re upgrading your everyday earbuds, looking for a rugged speaker to bring to the beach, or simply want your tech to match your summer mood, Bose’s latest lineup offers a blend of premium performance and seasonal flair. With thoughtful updates, durable designs, and that bold splash of yellow, these devices are clearly built for both serious listening and sunny-day adventures.

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new york city’s first water-filtering +POOL completes the construction of floating vessel

New York City’s +POOL finishes building the barge

 

Friends of +POOL announces finishing the construction of the floating vessel for New York City’s first water-filtering swimming pool. Set to open at Pier 35 near Manhattan’s Lower East Side around May 2026, the group shares that the team has completed building the barge at Bollinger Shipyard in Mississippi, the flat boat housing the filtration system, which will clean the water, the pool itself, and the seating of the project. It is custom-made to carry the amenities and structure of the first cross-shaped public swimming pool in New York City, which is expected to be 2,000 square feet in size. Before this, the group unveiled the idea of the project back in July 2010. 

 

Fast forward to June 2025: the next step is to load the barge onto a larger boat, the one used in cruises, to transport it from Mississippi, the construction place, to New York City. The trip takes about three weeks, as the barge goes through water routes, starting in Pascagoula, Mississippi, then through Florida Bay and Biscayne Bay, and finally up the Atlantic coast in the US. As soon as it arrives in New York City, the +POOL team gears up to finish setting it up so the health agencies can approve the final design of the facility.

construction of the barge in Bollinger Shipyard | all images courtesy of Friends of +POOL

 

 

designing the deck below and above comes next

 

At the moment, the Friends of + POOL team is designing the deck below and above New York City’s first water-filtering swimming pool because before people can use it, health agencies still need to give final approval to the overall design. After that, the authorities also need to check the water filtration system to make sure it works properly on a full-size pool to confirm that the +POOL in New York City can safely clean the water from the East River. Then, the team also needs to complete the construction of the entire pool facility, including the walkways and safety equipment, to guarantee that it is safe and ready for the public to use. 

 

For a timeline recap, New York Governor Kathy Hochul promised funding for the test version of the +POOL in New York City back in January 2024. The step is part of a larger project called NY SWIMS, which is the biggest public swimming investment in New York since the 1930s. In the summer of 2024, the group already tested their water cleaning system directly in the East River at Pier 35. They took the results from that test and gave them to New York City and its state agencies to show that the system works. For the summer of 2025, Friends of + POOL expect to continue weekly water quality testing at Pier 35, and they are working with the Interstate Environmental Commission to gather data so they can build a consistent record of the river’s water quality before +POOL opens to the public.

the barge houses the filtration system, which will clean the water, as well as the pool itself

view of +POOL construction at Bollinger Shipyard

testing the filtration system at Pier 35 in 2024

the water filtrated comes from the East River in Manhattan

the group unveiled the idea of the project back in July 2010

so far, the expected opening date of New York City’s +POOL is in May 2026

 

project info:

 

name: +POOL

nonprofit: Friends of +POOL | @pluspoolny

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