The 'X-Federation' chair by New York-Based Designer Victor Vetterlein uses a combination of laminated wood, combined with carbon-fiber to achieve a very slim and minimal look without compromising the weight-bearing function a chair requires. The technique first started in boat building and was further developed in the skateboard industry, which is where I first encountered this technique but was somewhat skeptical. (I have 2 Sector 9 Cloud 9 skateboards, very thin wooden veneer decks. Very maneuverable and a joy to ride. Sector 9 doesn't seem to make them this way any more. They use fiber glass now. Here's a that proves the strength of this kind of construction.)
The design includes a thin steel frame under the seat where the legs are mechanically fastened. The armrest is optional and fastens to the back and sides of the chair.
The X-Federation Elite Class chair comes with a solid brass armrest and leg sleeves. Must say, the contrast in materials is very interesting.
[via http://www.fastcodesign.com/1670183/using-the-secrets-of-skateboard-tech-to-build-a-better-chair and http://cubeme.com/blog/2012/06/27/x-federation-chair-by-victor-vetterlein/]
Insanely jealous and can hardly wait until next spring when Columbia Sportswear's Omni-freeze apparel will be released. Fast Co's Mark Wilson recently had a chance to test out a shirt that is made out of a fabric that stays cool in warm humid weather and therefore also keeps the wearer comfortable.
On the fabric, there are blue rings of hydrophilic (greek: water loving) molecules that absorbs moisture. The molecules get excited and will try to separate. It uses thermal energy from the user's body to do so and thus creating "a prolonged and enduring cooling sensation that lasts as long as the fabric stays wet."
I've been interested in the Carbon Fiber Monocoque for a little while now because of the strength and security it gives to the cars and their passengers while minimizing the weight. Here's a small video explaining how it's done in F1, why it's safe and getting even safer.
[via http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/nico-rosberg-explains-why-f1-cars-are-so-safe/]
Joey Roth recently released a series of planters made from naturally porous, unglazed earthenware that lets water seep through the center column and into the soil. He states on his website that they are inspired by Olla, an ancient irrigation tool that famers still use to conserve water in arid climates.
These planters definitely look so much better than the plastic ones, and aesthetically so much more interesting than the traditional terra cotta planters.
Joey Roth also has a set of ceramic speakers that are also very interesting looking.
Spotted this at Home Depot on 23rd Street last week. Leviton created the Renu line of switches. It's clever in that the plastic covers works with many color palettes, but they also included a more expensive, metal cover.
This 5-axis CNC machine is made by EEW Machinenbau in Germany and can mill 1:1 scale negative and positive molds for rooter blades that are 50 m and more, and in one single piece. The X-axis on the machine can span 151 meters. The machine also trims blades, and soon, it will lay glass-fiber mates into negative molds. Found via Core77 and Adafruit.