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Solar panels bring sustainable energy and parasol aesthetics to balconies

While most of us probably want to have some form of sustainable energy source at our homes, not every household has the right conditions to install some sort of device or system. But as we continue to look for more energy-efficient and environmentally safe ways to power our homes, expect there to be more companies that will look for urban living-friendly solutions. We will get easier and more practical ways to have things like photovoltaic power generation accessible to whatever space we’re living in. This will eventually remove some people’s excuses and/or reservations on why they cannot have things like solar panels in thier homes.

The CESC Solar Parasol, a creation of gang.lab design, is making waves in sustainable outdoor solutions.Recently awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025, this innovative parasol seamlessly blends intelligent technology with sleek aesthetics, offering a glimpse into the future of urban living. More than just a stylish shade, the CESC Solar Parasol is a smart shading system designed to enhance both residential and commercial spaces, particularly balconies in high-rise buildings. It transforms previously underutilized areas into environmentally friendly and energy-efficient focal points.

Designer: gang.lab design

The core of the Solar Parasol lies in its integration of high-efficiency solar panels. These flexible panels are capable of generating 315W of power, effectively harnessing free energy from nature. This power can be used to illuminate the integrated 12W LED lamps, providing a warm 3500K light source for evening enjoyment of outdoor spaces. These panels are constructed with a durable aluminum alloy frame and a metal fluorocarbon coating in white.

Beyond energy generation, the parasol boasts an adaptive control system that intelligently manages both energy harvesting and shading.The sun blind angle can be adjusted between 0°, 35°, and 90° within 45 seconds, allowing users to customize the shade according to their needs and the position of the sun.This operation can be conveniently controlled via a remote control or a dedicated mobile app. It’s designed for balcony mounting, transforming neglected corners into functional spaces, whether it’s a residential or commercial space.

The CESC Solar Parasol by gang.lab design offers a compelling vision for the future of outdoor spaces. By integrating solar technology into everyday objects, it promotes a more environmentally conscious and energy-efficient way of living, all while enhancing the beauty and usability of our balconies and outdoor areas. This innovative product is a testament to the power of thoughtful design in creating a more sustainable future.

The post Solar panels bring sustainable energy and parasol aesthetics to balconies first appeared on Yanko Design.

LEGO lets you build your own minifigure vending machine

On my first trip to Tokyo a few years ago, one of the most amazing non-nature things I saw that time was a store in Akihabara. The whole store was filled with Gachapons or those vending machines that dispense those egg-like capsules that contain tiny plastic toys. At that time, there weren’t that many machines like that from where I came from. So to see a whole building dedicated to these blind capsules was thrilling for a geek like me. There’s a certain thrill that comes from not knowing what you’re going to get, hence the immense popularity of blind boxes now. So imagine if you had your own similar machine at home.

You can actually have that now with the release of the LEGO Ideas Minifigure Vending Machine set. It’s a toy that’s created for adults who have a love for retro-inspired toys and these random plastic toys inside capsules, but with a LEGO twist. Having this be a brick-built vending machine will add a vintage charm to your space and can definitely be a conversation starter to anyone who comes over.

Designer: LEGO

The set has 1,343 pieces, including 16 colorful capsules that contain bricks with which you can build a minifigure, more popularly known by enthusiasts as minifigs. The ones that you’ll find inside are from nostalgic themes like Castle, Paradisa, Fabuland, Classic Space Explorers. You will be able to build the machine on your own and it comes with an actual vending mechanism so you can get the satisfaction of getting a capsule to come out of it.

After you’ve finished building the machine, including putting the capsules inside the rounded glass top, you can insert the LEGO coin that comes with the set. Turn the handle and hear the familiar click that you get from actual vending machines. Then you’ll get a random capsule with the bricks and the instructions on how to build the minifig. It’s a simple but ultimately satisfying experience especially if you’re into all that blind bag surprise element.

The LEGO Ideas Minifigure Vending Machine isn’t just a static display piece. The ability to endlessly refill it with other LEGO minifigures or even small trinkets opens up a world of personalized fun. Imagine tailoring the capsules to different occasions, creating themed surprises for friends and family, or even using it as a unique way to dispense rewards. This set truly captures the joy of the unknown and the satisfaction of building, making it a delightful addition for any adult who appreciates a touch of playful nostalgia in their lives.

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Porsche partners with Norman Foster Foundation for reimagining of Venice’s transporation hub

When you think of Venice, your mind probably automatically goes to gondolas and vaporettos (water buses). Transportation in this Italian city has predominantly been aquatic since there are 150 canals and 121 islands. And while the imagery is romantic, people who live there and who have visited the city know that there are some issues do this public transport system. In a visionary collaboration that merges architectural innovation with automotive engineering, the Norman Foster Foundation and Porsche have unveiled “Gateway to Venice’s Waterway,” a striking 37-meter-long installation that serves as both a design marvel and a symbol of future-forward urban planning.

Unveiled at the prestigious 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, the installation reinterprets the city’s intricate canal system, long a symbol of tradition and romance, into a contemporary model for sustainable urban mobility. By doing so, it challenges conventional notions of transportation infrastructure in heritage-rich environments, proposing an elegant yet practical solution that harmonizes modern technology with the delicate fabric of Venice’s historical context. This fusion of design, sustainability, and mobility reflects the growing imperative to rethink urban infrastructure in response to climate change, rising sea levels, and the evolving needs of increasingly dense cities.

Designer: Norman Foster Foundation and Porsche

The installation, part of Porsche’s “The Art of Dreams” initiative, is situated at the Arsenale and will be on display until November 23, 2025. Its design draws inspiration from Venice’s iconic network of 435 bridges, featuring a lightweight aluminum lattice structure reminiscent of classic Porsche race cars like the 908. The kinetic surface incorporates a cube pattern inspired by the new Porsche Macan Electric, blending aesthetics with functionality.

Functioning as more than a symbolic structure, the gateway operated as an active transport hub during the Biennale’s opening week. It facilitated emission-free mobility solutions, including Schiller water bikes and the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air electric sports boat, powered by the same electric drive as the Porsche Macan Turbo. The project emphasizes sustainability, utilizing recycled materials and modular construction methods that allow for scalability and adaptability to other urban environments. This approach aligns with the principles of a circular economy, aiming to minimize environmental impact while promoting inclusive design accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities.

“Gateway to Venice’s Waterway” embodies the Biennale’s theme, “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.,” by merging natural inspiration with technological innovation. It stands as a testament to the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing contemporary urban challenges, offering a blueprint for integrating heritage preservation with forward-thinking mobility solutions.

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5 Ways To Transform Your Home with Warm Metallics: The Interior Design Trend That’s Here to Stay

Metallic finishes are taking centre stage in interior design, from the warm glow of brass and copper to the minimalist look of chrome. These reflective materials infuse any space with texture, depth, and a sense of understated luxury. When thoughtfully incorporated in different areas of the home, these metals introduce a dynamic play of light and dimension, enhancing the look of contemporary and classic interiors.

If you want to add glamour to any space, metallic accents in gold, silver, and copper can be incorporated into your home decor with these few simple tips:

1. Choose the Right Metal

Brass and copper add a warm, inviting feel, making them ideal for smaller spaces or as striking accents. In contrast, chrome delivers a sleek, modern look that can either take centre stage or provide a cool counterpoint to warmer tones. To incorporate metallic accents effectively, be clear about the style and mood you want to accomplish. This clarity will guide your choice of finishes and the scale of each piece.

Metallic finishes not only elevate the sophistication of a space but also enhance brightness and openness through their reflective nature, creating a more uplifting atmosphere.

Inspired by the Japanese art of ikebana, the Modular Flower Tubes offer a contemporary interpretation rooted in simplicity and elegance. At the heart of this piece are slender copper tubes of varying heights, which can be freely repositioned within a solid wooden base. The design encourages experimentation, allowing users to create ever-changing floral compositions that reflect personal style and seasonal shifts.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149.00

The standout feature is the copper finish, which evolves beautifully over time. As the metal ages, it develops a rich patina that adds depth, texture, and a sense of living history to the arrangement. This transformation honours the wabi-sabi philosophy, like appreciating beauty in imperfection and transience. The warm metallic tones contrast gently with the natural wood base, creating a harmonious balance of materiality. Together, they elevate floral display into a sculptural experience, blending traditional reverence for nature with modern, modular functionality.

2. Start with a Statement Metal

Choose a primary metal, such as a brass bed frame or centre table, and then complement it with one or two additional metals like chrome lamps to add depth and visual interest. Mixing metals intentionally adds elegance and depth to a space, while sticking to one finish can make it feel flat and one-dimensional.

Note that an excess of metal mixing can make a space feel cluttered. Therefore, it is best to stick to one or two metals in smaller rooms and no more than two to three in larger spaces. Make sure to select one dominant metal to carry the room, using the others as accents.

This brass vase concept reimagines the traditional purpose of flower vases, shifting focus from preservation to celebrating beauty at every stage of a plant’s life. Rather than simply holding flowers, it embraces the concept of aging gracefully, with the brass developing a unique patina over time. This natural process adds character and individuality to the piece, reflecting the beauty of imperfection and the retro aesthetic that is so prevalent today.

The vase’s form breaks from tradition, featuring a ribbon-like metal strip that curves into a knot, eliminating the need for a water-holding receptacle. Its minimalist design allows dried flowers to be showcased just as elegantly as fresh ones, prolonging their aesthetic value. By emphasizing the beauty in the natural process of aging, this vase encourages a shift away from the obsession with “new,” proving that even the passage of time can add to the beauty and significance of design.

3. Versatile and Functional Uses

Incorporate metals throughout the space in various ways, such as choosing lamps with brass bases, chandeliers with chrome details, or pendant lights with copper finishes. You can also update hardware like door knobs, cabinet handles, or drawer pulls with metallic finishes such as gold, silver, or copper.

Beyond accessories and accents, metals can be introduced through furniture by selecting pieces with metal accents, such as coffee tables, side tables, or decorative objects. Add brass or copper elements through light fixtures, faucets, and accessories, and use brass-framed mirrors to introduce warmth and texture.

This striking stool uses a single sheet of steel, bent to mimic soft fabric draped over wooden rods, creating a stunning visual illusion. At first glance, the flowing curves resemble suspended textile in linen or canvas frozen mid-air, yet the piece is entirely metal. This illusion is achieved through precision bending and minimal waste, showcasing metal’s versatility and the elegance of simplicity in modern design.

The brushed steel finish enhances the illusion, capturing light and shadow like real fabric folds while maintaining structural strength. Contrasting maple rods anchor the design, evoking ancient scrolls and adding warmth. One elevated edge functions as a handy side table, blending form with utility. This stool exemplifies how contemporary furniture can merge metal’s industrial edge with sculptural grace, offering tactile richness and visual intrigue in equal measure.

4. Balance Warm and Cool Tones

Metals play a key role in shaping the temperature and lighting of a room. Combining warm metals like brass or copper with cool tones like chrome or stainless steel creates a striking contrast, while pairing them with natural materials like wood or stone adds balance and harmony. For instance, the soft glow of brass is especially highlighted by candlelight, and introducing copper accents into chrome-dominated interiors adds a striking contrast in larger spaces.

In smaller spaces, metals not only serve as decorative elements but also reflect light, making the room appear brighter and more embellished.

Waxy Design Studio’s Pearl Chandelier reimagines elegance through a refined interplay of metal and light. Comprising 20 curved metal sconces arranged in a circular frame, each conceals a pearl-shaped bulb, evoking the image of oysters cradling precious gems. Available in black or white exteriors, the chandelier contrasts beautifully with its rich golden metal interiors and frame, creating a luxurious, jewel-like effect. The gold finish amplifies the light’s warmth, turning the fixture into a glowing statement piece that recalls a necklace suspended from the ceiling.

The metal finish plays a pivotal role in the chandelier’s visual impact. Its smooth, reflective surfaces capture and scatter light both upward and downward, adding dimension and atmosphere to any space. The combination of precision-cut metal sheets and warm metallic tones not only ensures structural elegance but also elevates the chandelier from functional lighting to sculptural art. It’s a sophisticated fusion of craftsmanship, material contrast, and ambient beauty.

5. Styling Metals by Design

Contrasting metals bring depth and visual interest to interiors, complementing a variety of design styles and colour schemes. Classic décor often includes gold, bronze, and brass in elements like lamps and mirror frames, while modern spaces favour the sleek appeal of chrome and stainless steel. Vintage styles mix brass and copper with wood to create a warm, rustic charm.

Incorporating metals into architectural details such as handrails, wall or ceiling panels, and skirting boards offers a subtle yet impactful way to introduce luxury and modernity. Blending these metallic elements with the interiors ensures a cohesive and well-balanced look while adding texture and sophistication to any space.

This sculptural chair stands out as a fusion of art and furniture design, instantly commanding attention with its bold, golden finish and raw, textured surface. More than a functional object, it serves as a visual statement, blending the rustic unpredictability of geological formations with the elegance of molten metal. Its irregular, chiseled form rejects traditional symmetry, evoking the look of a throne carved from natural elements. This dramatic aesthetic challenges conventional design, making the piece both avant-garde and timeless.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the chair appears to be made from metal – possibly aluminium or a lightweight alloy – treated with a gold finish through leafing, metallic paint, or plating. The deep textures suggest hand-hammering or casting techniques, showcasing the craftsmanship behind its rugged elegance. Symbolically, the piece evokes power and presence, turning any space into a stage for bold expression. It’s a striking example of how furniture can transcend utility and become a powerful form of artistic narrative.

Using these approaches, interior designers have shifted from the uniform use of minimalistic chrome to blending metals for a more organic and luxurious feel. This method of layering of metals brings a sense of timeless comfort and elegance into the interior decor.

The post 5 Ways To Transform Your Home with Warm Metallics: The Interior Design Trend That’s Here to Stay first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dyson shows off the slimmest but still powerful vacuum cleaner

When you live in a small apartment or if you want to keep things minimalist, you want to have appliances that can save you on space and clutter. But a lot of times, the ones that work the best are those that take up a lot of space and have huge storage. Or so we thought. There are now companies that have made it their mission to create the thinnest or slimmest things. Dyson is one of those.

Dyson has unveiled its latest innovation in home cleaning technology: the PencilVac, touted as the world’s slimmest and most powerful cordless vacuum cleaner. With a diameter of just 38mm, comparable to Dyson’s Supersonic hair dryer, and weighing approximately 1.8 kilograms, the PencilVac combines minimalist design with advanced functionality, making it an ideal solution for compact living spaces and hard-to-reach areas.

Designer: Dyson

The PencilVac’s slender form factor houses Dyson’s newly developed Hyperdymium motor, the smallest and fastest the company has produced to date. Spinning at 140,000 RPM, this motor delivers 55 air watts (AW) of suction power, ensuring efficient cleaning despite the vacuum’s compact size.The device’s design allows it to lay nearly flat, with an operational height of less than 10cm, enabling it to clean under furniture and in tight spaces with ease.

Departing from Dyson’s traditional cyclone technology, the PencilVac employs a two-stage linear dust-separation system that captures 99.99% of microscopic particles, releasing cleaner air back into the environment. Its unique Fluffycones cleaning head features four conical brush bars that rotate in opposite directions, effectively detangling long hair and ejecting it as small hairballs to prevent clogging. Additionally, green LED lights on either side of the brush head illuminate dust particles, ensuring thorough cleaning.

The PencilVac is equipped with an LCD screen that displays battery life and power mode, providing users with real-time information during cleaning sessions. It offers up to 30 minutes of runtime in Eco mode and features a hot-swappable battery system for extended use.The vacuum also connects to the MyDyson app, allowing users to access settings, maintenance alerts, and usage statistics.

Currently available in Japan, the PencilVac is expected to launch in the UK in 2026, with pricing details yet to be announced. Its combination of sleek design, powerful performance, and innovative features positions it as a compelling option for urban dwellers and those seeking a high-tech, space-saving cleaning solution. The Dyson PencilVac proves that powerful performance doesn’t have to come in a bulky package. It redefines what a vacuum cleaner can be: thin, light, and smart enough to keep up with modern lifestyles.

Whether you’re tidying up a studio apartment or navigating the tight corners of a minimalist home, the PencilVac offers a sleek and intelligent cleaning companion that doesn’t compromise on efficiency. With Dyson continuing to push the envelope on innovation and form, the PencilVac might just be the future of compact home cleaning.

The post Dyson shows off the slimmest but still powerful vacuum cleaner first appeared on Yanko Design.

Balenciaga’s Water Coolers Look Like Roman Fountains Designed For Palaces, Not Offices

Water coolers are truly social areas. Places of gossip, leisure, and just decompressing from a long bout of working. So why is it that these coolers then look so utilitarian, so non-social? Designer Moreno Schweikle decided to give the humble cooler a visual upgrade, taking hints from popular cultural spots and hubs, dipping into Baroque and Neoclassical themes.

The result? Water coolers that look like legitimate landmarks. Styled to resemble gorgeous fountains seen in city squares. Created as a part of Balenciaga’s ‘Art In Stores’ initiative, these coolers can be found in select Balenciaga outlets scattered across the world. The Art In Stores project sees the fashion brand partnering with a variety of artists like Anna-Sophie Berger, Cayetano Ferrer, Nicole Wermers, Harry Nuriev, and Tobias Spichtig to name a few.

Designer: Moreno Schweikle

Morena’s pieces reimagine the water cooler entirely. The cooler’s blockish form gets turned into a Roman pillar with fountains on the side, as well as on top along with a crowning Cupid-esque statuette. The water circulates between these multiple fountains (as well as the standard taps on the front).

The beauty in Morena’s sculptures lies in the fact that they still utilize color schemes similar to those of a water cooler. Opaque white blocks or sheet metal blocks, with tinted blue transparent elements on top, resembling the same plastic found in water cans that mount vertically onto traditional coolers.

There’s immense attention to detail, as well as a brilliant balance between industrial and cultural themes. You look at Morena’s Spring Coolers and they look just like coolers, however, they’re different enough to wow you, and enchanting with the way they treat detail and water flow.

Here, the sculpture has multiple water streams on top, shooting inside a bowl that feels rather fountain-like. The water then travels down the upper bowl, and out through a series of statuettes tipping over water pots. The fountains have layers seen in the kind you’d find dotted across European cities and cultural hubs.

Even in being traditional, like the simple three-tiered fountain below, Morena finds ways to make details shine. The supports below the blue fountain elements have neoclassical stylings, looking enchantingly antique while still being your mundane, contemporary water cooler.

Notably though, these coolers aren’t meant to drink out of. They’re purely statement pieces, designed to work as art sculptures that circulate water through a closed loop. The tinted blue sculptures are made from PLA and PU resin, which aren’t food grade. They’re likely 3D printed and then finished in an acetone bath to give them the glossy marble-like texture seen on most actual fountains. That means the water is likely not suited for consumption – it does, however, make for a great statement piece – that’s if you’re rich (or confident) enough to step into a Balenciaga showroom!

The post Balenciaga’s Water Coolers Look Like Roman Fountains Designed For Palaces, Not Offices first appeared on Yanko Design.

This ultimate power bank boasts an expandable array of six solar panels, assuring unlimited backup

Even as battery capacities in our campers increase, and we have a fallback (on all occasions) to juice up our handhelds and other portable devices; there is still scope for a versatile power bank, especially for the backpackers and solo travelers. Even back home, while you’re working or doomscrolling, a decent power bank that never leaves you in the dry, will do no harm. This is basically why a good power bank is not just an accessory, but an essential everyday carry in virtually every traveler’s, student’s, or content creator’s backpack nowadays.

Realizing the fact that even the power banks (at some point) require power to breathe life into them, DeepSolar X20 has hit Kickstarter. The reliable, 3-in-1 power supply device features its own expandable solar panels, assuring unlimited backup to keep all your devices, no matter where you are.

Designer: DeepSolar

Click Here to Buy Now: $59 $99 (40% off).

Offering a massive 20,000mAh capacity, the DeepSolar gets its name from its solar charging ability. It has a built-in solar panel for quick backup daily. For the days when you require power for a few devices simultaneously, the power bank supports an expandable solar array, comprising six magnetic panel extensions that increase the solar input power to 18W. These are flexible, so you can lay them flat open on the ground or hang them from your backpack. The energy flow into the mounted power bank is stable in all orientations.

Since the DeepSolar X20 is targeted at the explorers, it features an IP68 rating for full protection against water, dust, and the elements. The device is also shatterproof, substantiating its credentials for being a rugged power bank an adventurer can count on. Of course, the power capacity and rugged approach require some versatile backing. For this, the DeepSolar X20 is equipped with four outputs, so you can charge up to four devices instantaneously. It has two fast-charging USB outputs (offering 40W fast charging), a USB-C port, and a wireless Qi-enabled charging pad to power compatible devices without the hassle of wires.

What really held me is not the versatility of the DeepSolar X20 per se (of course it’s exciting), but it’s the standalone functionality of the magnetic solar charging panels. These solar panels can work standalone (without requiring the power bank to be connected) to power your smartphones, cameras, and other devices directly through their own USB ports. As an outdoorsy person, you will understand the convenience of this energy, which is over and above the power bank’s native capacity.

When you’re outside of the house, you can bank on the DeepSolar X20 for not just its power, but its ability to function as an outdoor light as well. We are not just mentioning flashlight, this has the capability of being a tougher, and longer-lasting camping light with up to 80 hours of backup. For this, it supports three different light modes: Lighting Mode for general visibility during nighttime, SOS mode to send out distress signal in an emergency, and Strobe mode to attract attention when required.

Click Here to Buy Now: $59 $99 (40% off).

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