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Pebble-Inspired Minimalist Wireless Doorbell Concept Welcomes With Warmth

Minimalism has found its way into almost every corner of modern living, but there are still a few objects at home that stubbornly resist simple, human-centered design. Doorbells, for example, often become portals for cold technology, especially as smart home devices flood the market. Many promise convenience and security with cameras and microphones, but sometimes their glossy screens and blinking lights feel more like a barrier than an invitation, greeting guests with a sense of distance instead of warmth.

With this pebble-inspired wireless doorbell concept, the experience is completely different. Rather than overwhelming you or your visitors with technological bravado, it quietly brings a sense of calm to the doorstep. The idea behind this design is to create a gentle welcome, making it clear that a real person lives inside, someone who values a soft approach to both aesthetics and interaction. It’s a design that feels as much at home in a cozy apartment as it does in a stylish home office.

Designer: Chanie Liao

Smart doorbells today are often loaded with features, video feeds, two-way audio, and motion sensors, yet sometimes the most meaningful connections are the simplest. This concept forgoes the endless list of functions to focus on what matters: creating a pleasant first impression, with an emotional touch that is rare in tech products. It’s a gentle reminder that not everything at home has to be about convenience and control; sometimes it’s about making people feel welcome and at ease.

The inspiration for the doorbell’s form comes straight from nature, borrowing the smooth, rounded shape and tactile pleasure of a river pebble. It’s the kind of object you instinctively want to reach out and touch, with contours so soft and lines so understated that it blends in anywhere. The translucent portion on one end acts as a subtle accent, diffusing a soft, gentle light that signals visitors without jarring the senses.

Beyond its visual appeal, that softly glowing light isn’t just for show. It quietly assists anyone who might be hard of hearing, pulsing in a breathing pattern to signal when the bell has been pressed. This small detail is both functional and beautiful, striking a balance between accessibility and aesthetics. It’s these thoughtful touches that speak to the doorbell’s intent: to offer reliability while remaining friendly and approachable.

The result is a piece that quietly complements any interior, from single-room studios to tucked-away home offices. With its gentle presence and a design language that prioritizes emotional comfort over technical prowess, this doorbell concept offers a refreshing alternative. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the most inviting spaces are shaped by the smallest, most thoughtful details.

The post Pebble-Inspired Minimalist Wireless Doorbell Concept Welcomes With Warmth first appeared on Yanko Design.

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When 4,000 Hours of Hand Labor Creates Automotive Poetry

Four thousand hours of human labor goes into every Saoutchik Torpedo S. That’s more time than most people spend at work in two full years, dedicated to changing a single Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe into something that looks like it rolled out of 1955 and landed in 2025. The French coachbuilder that vanished with its founder in 1955 has returned after a seven-decade silence with exactly 15 examples of automotive obsession. Each one costs more than most houses and takes longer to build than most people keep their cars. What emerges from this process isn’t another expensive toy. It shows that in an age of robotic precision and algorithmic efficiency, the human hand still creates forms that no machine can.

Designer: Mercedes-AMG + Ugur Sahin

A Revival Measured in Millimeters

Jacques Saoutchik built his last car in 1955, the same year he died. The company had been operating since 1906, shaping some of the most iconic automotive bodies ever applied to rolling chassis. Now his name lives again, revived in the Netherlands with backing that claims to honor the original vision while adopting modern tools and fabrication.

The numbers behind the Torpedo S outline the level of craftsmanship. Fifteen cars. Over 4,000 hours of hand labor each. That’s 60,000 hours of human effort across the entire run, equivalent to 30 person-years. The carbon fiber bodywork that replaces every panel on the donor AMG GT is shaped, adjusted, and refined by craftsmen who work by millimeter, not minute. This isn’t mass production. It’s a sculpture on wheels.

The AMG GT’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 is reportedly untouched. Power and speed stay where Mercedes left them. But this car isn’t about specs. It was built to prove that proportion and surfacing still carry emotional value. The 22-inch chrome wheels frame the silhouette and visually anchor the stretched profile. The round headlights and restrained grille reach back to a time when elegance wasn’t a marketing term but a design outcome. Designer Ugur Sahin wraps this vintage language around a modern core without falling into kitsch. The result doesn’t belong to any single decade but feels authentic in all of them.

Design That Remembers What Machines Forget

Look closely and you’ll see the difference. This isn’t a retromod in the usual sense. The Saoutchik Torpedo S doesn’t chase nostalgia for the sake of styling cues. It revives an era’s design logic through physical proportions and material execution. The body lines don’t mimic, they reinterpret. Rear haunches flare out with theatrical tension, but there’s no visual noise. You won’t find stray creases or overworked surfacing here. Every panel seems poured, not stamped, with curvature that reflects light like a vintage grand piano polished for concours display.

The original Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe underneath never had this kind of restraint. Its stock sheet metal was defined by aggressive folds, technical intakes, and performance signaling. None of that remains. The Torpedo S drapes the mechanical foundation in long, clean swells of carbon fiber. The front fascia drops the familiar AMG snarl for a quiet, horizontal grille framed by circular lamps that could’ve sat comfortably on a 1954 roadster. It looks back without falling into caricature.

Around the sides, the gill-style vents on the front fenders signal a nod to the 300 SL’s side detailing, but they’re sunken deeper into the surfacing. The interpretation doesn’t feel ornamental. It feels structural. The subtle integration of chrome strips sets visual tempo across the flanks, breaking the mass without complicating the language. No badge clutter, no vents for the sake of flair. Just uninterrupted sculpting that transitions from surface to shadow with almost coachbuilt delicacy.

Then you hit the wheels. Monoblock-style turbine discs in polished finish that nearly swallow the wheel wells whole. They’re aggressive in size but subdued in execution. There’s no gloss black contrast, no two-tone distraction. They do one job, command visual mass at the corners, and they do it through scale and depth. From behind, the deck tapers down into an elongated rear profile, with taillights that barely break the surface line. It’s low, wide, and calm. That calmness isn’t something often engineered anymore. It’s shaped.

Inside, the design narrative doesn’t fall apart. The Torpedo S may inherit its cabin architecture from Mercedes, but the reupholstering in pale blue and brushed aluminum gives the interior a tonal shift. It no longer feels corporate or sterile. The air vents become ornamental. The switchgear feels jewel-like. There’s a kind of old-world decadence in the new-world precision of how the center stack fans outward with symmetry. Even the steering wheel treatment, minimal branding, two-tone leather, centered by a clear Saoutchik identifier, shifts the perception from high-performance instrument to vintage command wheel.

What’s most telling is how nothing here screams for attention. The design isn’t selling itself with loud gestures. It invites scrutiny. The closer you get, the more it reveals. You notice how the roofline flows unbroken into the trunk when the hardtop is up. You realize the rear fascia eliminates all vents and diffuser drama in favor of a clean, descending curve. The exhaust exits are wide but not flared, integrated without apology.

The Saoutchik Torpedo S forces you to stop and stare. Forget the spec sheets and performance numbers, because this car exists purely as rolling art. It doesn’t need to justify its existence or prove anything to anyone. The Torpedo S knows exactly what it is: a masterpiece of automotive craftsmanship that happens to have an engine.

The post When 4,000 Hours of Hand Labor Creates Automotive Poetry first appeared on Yanko Design.

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manuel cervantes estudio embeds temporary housing units among rubber trees in mexico

Manuel Cervantes sets a transitional zone for migrant workers

 

Manuel Cervantes Estudio’s temporary housing project is situated within rubber tree plantations in Palenque, Chiapas, in Mexico, where latex extraction is a key economic activity. The region’s humid-subtropical climate, characterized by high humidity and temperatures consistently above 26°C, plays a significant role in shaping both the economic landscape and the architectural response.

 

The area functions as a transitional zone for migrant workers from Haiti, Mexico, Central, and South America. These workers often establish makeshift accommodations, resulting in substandard living conditions. The architectural intervention aims to address this issue by providing a system of temporary housing that adapts to the local climate and working conditions. Two sites, Caracol and Santa Rosa, were selected for implementation. Caracol primarily accommodates single individuals, while Santa Rosa is designated for families. The modular system includes four main typologies: worker module, family module, cooking module, and cleaning module. These modules are arranged to complement one another and are integrated into the plantation layout to minimize environmental impact.

all images by Cesar Bejar

 

 

Bamboo facades clad the units’ reinforced concrete framework

 

The design is oriented parallel to the plantation rows to align with the rubber tree grid and maximize the shading effect of the existing vegetation, reducing direct solar exposure on the rooftops. The system utilizes reinforced concrete frames elevated above ground level to facilitate cross-ventilation beneath the structures. This elevation also helps limit heat and moisture transfer from the ground into the buildings. Bamboo, which is locally available, is used for the facades to provide both ventilation and visual privacy. Hollow concrete blocks form the interior partitions, while bamboo frames rest on reinforced concrete beams to support the roofing system. Roofs are designed with a reflective finish to reduce heat absorption and include integrated chimneys for passive heat extraction.

 

The design team at Manuel Cervantes Estudio prioritizes passive environmental strategies to achieve bioclimatic efficiency, including the use of natural shading, cross-ventilation, and material choices responsive to local conditions. The design establishes a relationship between the built environment and its natural context, operating with minimal visual and ecological disruption.

temporary housing modules situated among rubber trees in Palenque, Chiapas

modular system adapted to the region’s environmental and social conditions

elevated concrete frames enable natural airflow under the structures

bamboo facades offer privacy while promoting cross-ventilation

the project constructs four module types: worker, family, cooking, and cleaning units

arrangement of modules complements the plantation’s natural rhythm

modules are oriented to follow the plantation’s tree rows

roofs finished in reflective coatings to minimize heat gain

the housing system prioritizes low environmental impact

designed to support migrant workers in a humid-subtropical climate

hollow blocks and bamboo frames define the interior layout

passive strategies reduce indoor heat and humidity

 

project info:

 

name: Temporary Housing for Workers (Agros)

architect: Manuel Cervantes Estudio | @manuelcervantes

design team: Jaime Morales, Juan Pablo López, Mariloly Rodríguez, Omar Martínez

location: Palenque, Mexico

photography: Cesar Bejar | @cesarbejarstudio

 

 

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: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post manuel cervantes estudio embeds temporary housing units among rubber trees in mexico appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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Turn your pick up into an all-season adventure rig with the minimalist Freedom Camper

Pennsylvania-based mobile shelter manufacturer Tusca Outdoors is now officially part of the Missouri-based Redneck Outdoor Products family. Best known for the HitchHiker—a minimalist camping pod designed to mount on the back of a truck or trailer—the company enters this new chapter with a fresh identity and an evolving product lineup, which still has its roots in the HitchHiker’s legacy and structure.

HitchHiker camper pod is renamed. It’s now called the Freedom Camper. While the name has changed, the vision and core intention remain the same. The Freedom Camper builds on the original’s legacy, offering increased size and enhanced versatility for a starting price of $3,299.

Designer: Redneck Blinds

Now built in Lamar, Missouri, the Freedom Camper is a fully insulated, hard-shell camping pod like the HitchHiker, but it’s more lightweight and versatile, and that’s where the difference lies. Designed to fit on pickup truck beds, utility trailers, and toy hauler platforms of varying sizes, the Freedom is more than your average camper. It is a barebones sleeper with maximum weather protection, which can be mounted and unmounted with complete convenience.

Unlike the heavier campers, which once installed are cumbersome to take down and make repositioning the truck bed for everyday chores difficult; the Freedom can be lifted on and off the pickup by a couple of people with ease. Of course, with this convenience, the camper is a competitor to the hard-shell rooftop tents that are making a lot of buzz these days. It is therefore provided in two variants, the trailer mounting kit and the truck mounting kit, which allows the Freedom to be strapped on securely.

Mounting kits are available for all four sizes of the Freedom Camper, which comes in 48×79, 48×89, 58×89, and 58×79-inch models. All four models are built with the same rugged materials and go-anywhere spirit of the HitchHiker. The 48″ x 79″ Freedom Camper is compatible with midsize trucks similar to the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, and can also fit in other full-size trucks with the tailgate up. The 48″ x 89″ size camper is designed for trucks like the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra, wherein it can just slide on, be locked in place, and is good to hit the road.

One of the other two models, the 58″ x 79″ Freedom Camper is ideal for those who wish to keep their camper compact and within their bed, while the extra-large 58″ x 89″ model provides space to sleep and store gear and can mount on all full-size truck beds. Due to its ultralightweight (180- 190 lbs, depending on the configuration you choose from), the camper offers a simple overnight RV for adventurers to sleep in (mattress not included) with some gear and belongings. For those who want their Freedom accessorized, Redneck makes provision to outfit it with solar panels, lights, fans and more.

The post Turn your pick up into an all-season adventure rig with the minimalist Freedom Camper first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Lenovo Legion Go Mod Transforms Handheld PC into a Portable Arcade Machine

Handheld gaming has exploded in recent years, with countless devices popping up to tempt gamers on the go. Most of these portables borrow ideas from the Nintendo Switch, but only a select few, like the Lenovo Legion Go, dare to try something truly modular. Unlike their console cousins, these PC-based machines are a playground for tinkerers, offering more freedom to swap, tweak, and upgrade to your heart’s content.

What if that modular design could go even further? Imagine a handheld gaming PC you could snap apart and rebuild to fit your favorite play style. That’s exactly the spirit behind a recent DIY project that reimagines the Legion Go as a portable arcade machine. It’s a wild experiment that took plenty of late-night trial and error, but the end result is something any retro or arcade fan would love to get their hands on.

Designer: Bob Wulff (WULFF DEN)

Most people picture arcade controls as chunky joysticks and big colorful buttons. But leverless “all-button” layouts are taking over the fighting game scene for their precision and speed. With every button lying flat, it becomes possible to create a slim, folding device that’s both compact and satisfyingly tactile. This opens the door to a clamshell design, one you can fold up and toss in your bag, just like a mini laptop.

Enter the Lenovo Legion Clam, a mod that swaps out the Legion Go’s controllers for a custom, 3D-printed shell packed with arcade-style buttons. The entire project feels like a celebration of DIY energy, from the homemade circuit boards to the use of genuine laptop hinges for that satisfying open-and-close motion. And when you’re done, the whole thing folds shut for easy transport. It’s quirky, bold, and undeniably fun.

Of course, as with any one-off invention, there are a few bumps along the way. The controller connects via a rather conspicuous USB-C cable that runs along the outside, and the hinge doesn’t let the shell close completely flat. Swapping back to the original Legion Go mode isn’t quick either, since the modded shell is screwed on tightly. For anyone who loves to jump between handheld and arcade styles, that’s a bit of a hurdle.

Still, the payoff is hard to ignore. The experience of playing platformers or fighting games on a custom, leverless arcade pad is so enjoyable that it’s easy to forgive a few rough edges. It’s a glimpse of what handheld gaming could be if manufacturers leaned into modularity, making it easy to transform a single device into whatever the moment demands. The dream of a truly flexible portable system suddenly doesn’t seem so far-fetched.

The post Lenovo Legion Go Mod Transforms Handheld PC into a Portable Arcade Machine first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Mafell’s Crazy Pull-Push Portable Table Saw

This portable Erika 85 table saw, by German manufacturer Mafell, has a number of tricks up its sleeve.

First off, it’s designed to be easy for one person to set up:

One of the feet has an instant height-adjustment feature, making uneven floors quickly dealt with:

And while you can push material through the saw, the conventional way…

…it also performs this magic trick:

When crosscutting or cutting miters, rather than pushing the workpiece on a sled, you hold the piece stationary and the saw slides towards you. The company reckons this is easier and more precise than doing it the other way around. It’s also easier than sliding chunky workpieces towards the saw:

Lastly, a simple but desirable feature. The saw has a built-in light that illuminates exactly where you want to see:

I think the pull feature would take some getting used to, because I’ve never seen a table saw that had this feature. But that’s because I’m based in the ‘States. Mafell has been producing this design for a whopping 40 years.

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A Tourist Wants to Spray Puerto Rico’s Coqui Frog and the Internet Says ‘Get Off the Island’

Picture this: you’re in Puerto Rico, an island so lush and magical it’s literally nicknamed La Isla del Encanto. The palm trees sway. The mofongo is perfectly garlicky. And, as night falls, you hear it that rhythmic, hypnotic “ko-KEE, ko-KEE” sound from the island’s coqui frog.

For locals, this is home. For many visitors, it’s enchanting. For one unfortunate Reddit user? It was … a noise complaint.

That’s right. Someone on Reddit recently asked for spray recommendations to silence the coquí frogs, as in, a tourist wanted to chemically quiet one of Puerto Rico’s most treasured and protected natural species. It was the ecological equivalent of stomping into Italy and asking for tips on bleaching the Sistine Chapel ceiling because you didn’t like the color scheme.

The Coquí Frog: Smaller Than Your AirPods, Louder Than Your Entitlement

The Eleutherodactylus coqui, or just “coquí” to anyone who’s ever experienced joy, is a tiny frog, often no bigger than a bottle cap, that belts out its famous two-note call from dusk till dawn. It’s a sound so beloved that it’s considered part lullaby, and part national anthem.

Puerto Ricans don’t just tolerate the coquí, they celebrate it. “El coquí es el white noise boricua,” said one commenter on Reddit. Others chimed in to confirm: “El coquí es sonido que va con el abanico sí o sí.

Translation: “The coquí is the Puerto Rican white noise,” and “The coquí is a sound that goes with the fan, no matter what.”

And yet, this one visitor, a brave keyboard warrior who took to Reddit under the username “Doodie-man-bunz,” thought maybe the frogs should pipe down a bit. The internet, as you may have guessed, did not agree.

Puerto Rico to Tourist: ‘Get Earplugs or Get Out’

The backlash was swift, multilingual, and beautifully unified in its message: Do. Not. Mess. With. Our. Coquí.

Si los turistas están hablando del coquí, deben ir pensando en buscarse otra isla para vivir.”

“Holy f***! Just get earplugs or get the f*** out of the island instead of killing our endemic animals. Godd*mn.”

The vibe was clear: You don’t spray the coquí. You spray yourself with some bug repellent, put in earplugs, and reflect quietly on how beautiful the world is when you’re not trying to murder its melodies.

The Coquí Is Sacred

This isn’t just about a cute little frog, though the coquí is very cute. It’s about identity, ecology, and the deep connection Puerto Ricans have with their land. The coquí is endemic to Puerto Rico, meaning that it naturally exists nowhere else in the world. (Yes, there are invasive populations in Hawaii, but that’s another colonial frog drama for another day.)

One user passionately explained: “Admito que era ignorante también, pero no sin consciencia… Yo aprendí que ‘Borikén’ significa, y como es más que una manera de vida, es el raíz que crece del alma.”

Quick translation: This isn’t just noise. This is soul.

RELATED POST: Romania, Witches & a Frog’s Behind? The Bizarre Origins of ‘Sana Sana, Colita de Rana’ Explained

Another put it plainly: “Coquís are sacred. Like, we would bottle their song if we could.” (Actually, many people already have. Search “coquí sleep sounds” and enjoy the auditory comfort food.)

Final Thoughts: Don’t Colonize the Coquí

There’s a larger story here. One about tourists arriving in beautiful, complex places and expecting them to behave like all-inclusive resorts. As one commenter bluntly put it: “Colonizers doing colonizers activities. They go to someone else’s land, and they feel entitled to it.”

Another said: “They should vacation in Hawaii like normal colonizers.”

Ouch.

The message? Come to Puerto Rico. Fall in love with the food, the music, the people and, yes, the frogs. Let the coquí sing you to sleep and remind you that you’re lucky to hear it. Because in a world of artificial everything, this tiny frog is still singing his truth. Loud, proud, and Puerto Rican.

One Reddit, clearly done with this whole conversation, offered a helpful itinerary for the tourist who complained about the coqui: “Que se vaya de vacaciones a la tundra de Canadá mejor.” (The tourist is better off going on vacation to the Canadian tundra.)

The post A Tourist Wants to Spray Puerto Rico’s Coqui Frog and the Internet Says ‘Get Off the Island’ appeared first on Nuestro Stories.

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Marshall Kilburn III delivers herculean battery life and balanced acoustics in a refined portable design

Marshall has revealed the Kilburn III portable speaker that builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Kilburn II. The predecessor was introduced seven years ago as a compact speaker with retro styling and solid performance. While the model earned praise for its portability and distinctive design, it had limitations in battery life, acoustic range, and connectivity that are now comprehensively addressed.

The Kilburn III represents a marked improvement in both functionality and sound engineering, aiming to deliver a more immersive and enduring listening experience. With over 50 hours of battery life, it sets a high standard for wireless speakers in its class, exceeding the typical 20–30-hour range offered by competitors such as the Beats Pill and Bang & Olufsen A1. This extended battery capacity enables the Kilburn III to operate for two full days on a single charge, offering a practical advantage for users who require sustained playback without frequent recharging. You can even reverse-charge your gadgets with the portable speaker, which is a great feature to have when outdoors.

Designer: Marshall

The latest iteration in the Kilburn line incorporates a more robust acoustic design, marked by a wider soundstage and upgraded driver configuration. It includes a three-way driver system consisting of a rear-firing driver for enhanced low-end presence and two angled tweeters to project sound outward. This results in a well-distributed, immersive audio experience. This layout ensures sound dispersion across a wider area, supporting outdoor and large-space listening scenarios more effectively than speakers designed with a single forward-facing driver. Kilburn III delivers a signature Marshall sound, characterized by pronounced mids and a controlled low-end, without exaggeration or distortion at higher volumes.

In comparison, the Beats Pill is compact and convenient but focuses more on portability and bass-heavy tuning rather than the breadth of audio range or longevity. It typically offers a battery life of up to 24 hours, which falls significantly short of the Kilburn III’s endurance. While the Pill is known for its minimalistic design and ease of use, it lacks the acoustic refinements and volume projection required for more dynamic listening environments. The Bang & Olufsen A1, while premium in build and audio quality, features a maximum battery life of around 30 hours. It offers impressive clarity and a refined tonal balance in a small form factor, yet its mono speaker design limits the spatial audio experience compared to the stereo configuration and rear-facing elements in the Kilburn III.

Marshall emphasizes durability and user control with the Kilburn III’s IP54 water resistance rating and physical bass and treble knobs, giving users tactile control over sound adjustments. The unit maintains the brand’s classic amplifier-inspired aesthetic, featuring textured finishes and solid metal grilles, offering visual appeal in line with its audio performance. Charging is managed through a USB-C port, and fast-charging capabilities provide notable efficiency, delivering several hours of playback from a short charging session. This adds to the convenience of the Kilburn III, especially for users who value quick turnaround between uses. The Bluetooth 5.1 connection ensures stable wireless performance, although it does not include smart assistant support or app-based EQ features, which are present in some rival models.

Truly, Marshall Kilburn III distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on long-lasting battery performance, durable design, and spacious audio projection, which we love. The Marshall Kilburn III launched globally on May 27, 2025, and is available in two color options – Black & Brass and Cream. Priced at $379.99, you can buy it from Marshall.com right away, and later on from retail partners from 10 June onwards.

The post Marshall Kilburn III delivers herculean battery life and balanced acoustics in a refined portable design first appeared on Yanko Design.

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House Sitter Chair lets you rest your head inside a tiny house while you sit

When you’re sitting on a chair, most of the time you’re doing an activity like working, reading, talking with loved ones, etc. There are also times when you’re just resting, listening to music, or thinking. And then there are also times when you just want to be alone, but when there are other people around, that might be a bit difficult. It will work if you have some sort of “shield” around you but that would probably be a bit weird of course. But if it’s a sculptural kind of chair that involves a bit of performance art, then maybe it will work.

Michael Jantzen, a name synonymous with innovative and thought-provoking architectural sculptures, has recently unveiled his latest creation: the “House Sitter Chair.” This isn’t your average piece of furniture; it’s a striking blend of art, architecture, and a touch of whimsy, designed to offer a unique and contemplative space for its user. It is a testament to Jantzen’s signature style of deconstructed and re-imagined forms. Imagine a tiny house, distilled down to its most essential form, built for a single occupant seeking a moment of peace.

Designer: Michael Jantzen

Visually, the House Sitter is captivating. Constructed from a network of interconnected geometric shapes, primarily straight lines and angles, it creates a sense of both openness and enclosure. The materials appear to be lightweight yet sturdy, possibly a combination of wood and metal, painted in a way that emphasizes its sculptural qualities. Light and shadow play across its surfaces, adding depth and dynamism to its appearance.

The name “House Sitter” hints at the chair’s dual nature. It provides a sheltered space reminiscent of a miniature house, while the “sitter” aspect clearly defines its function as a place to rest and observe. The design seems to encourage a posture that is both comfortable and alert, perfect for someone looking to immerse themselves in their surroundings, whether it’s a garden, a park, or even an indoor space.

This creation is more of a “sculptural chair” that doubles as a “tiny house shelter” than as just a regular chair with a weird design. It’s not simply about providing a seat; it’s about creating an experience, a moment of escape within a self-contained world. The functionality of the House Sitter also appears to be carefully considered. While its primary purpose is seating, the structure provides a sense of enclosure and protection from the elements, albeit in a minimal way. Depending on the orientation and the environment, it could offer shade from the sun or a degree of shelter from a light drizzle.

Michael Jantzen’s House Sitter Chair is a fascinating example of how art and design can converge to create objects that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply functional on a conceptual level. It’s a piece that sparks curiosity, invites contemplation, and redefines our understanding of what a chair can be. So if you don’t mind sticking your head into a tiny house if you want to have some rest and repose away from people and the sounds around you, then this can be an option. Also, it can be a great conversational piece once you decide to release your head from the house.

The post House Sitter Chair lets you rest your head inside a tiny house while you sit first appeared on Yanko Design.

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One Way to Make Trinity Rings

The so-called Russian Wedding Ring was a jewelry design that allegedly emerged from 19th-century Russia. It consists of three interlocked rings, each of them sized slightly larger than the target finger size, so that all three together will slide smoothly onto a finger.

In the 1920s Cartier co-opted the design, releasing their Trinity Ring. Each of the three rings was a different tone of gold: Rose, yellow and white. (In a bit of marketing spin, it was even claimed that the poet Jean Cocteau designed these for Cartier; in fact, it appears he was simply associated with them as the 20th-century version of an influencer.)

So how are these made? If you’re familiar with casting, you’ll have figured out that if they were all the same metal, you could cast it all as one piece with thinner supporting structures connecting the rings; you’d break those off, then grind and polish the rings smooth. It would likely be a nightmare for the craftsperson charged with the finishing tasks, as two rings would always be in the way while you worked on the third.

However, the casting method is out if you’re using different metals. So how was it done? In this short video, silversmith Jessica Hickman-Woolcott of the Cognac Jewellery School shows you how. (Although she’s using the same metal for all three rings, you get the idea.)