UNIVERSITY OF MAINE
BioHome3D: 3D-printed home made from wood chips and sawdust
The US-based University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) created the world’s first 3D-printed home built completely from bio-based materials such as – wood flour or fine sawdust, mixed with a binder made from corn. Called the BioHome3D, the home was specially designed to address labour supply chain issues that are raising the costs of homes and reducing the availability of affordable housing.
The home occupies 600 square meters and has been equipped with 3D-printed walls, floors, and even roofs. All the elements of the home have been built using wood fibers and bio-resins, making the home 100% recyclable, and highly insulated with 100% wood insulation. Once you enter the home, you’re quite surprised by how warm and inviting it is.
The wooden walls, ceiling, and floor are further accentuated by the earthy colours instilled throughout the home. The walls and the ceiling seem to harmoniously interlink together, creating a sloping curved form, that protects the residents and provides them with a sense of safety and security. The home features a living room, kitchen, bedroom, as well as workspace. The windows in the home are of a limited number, but the home does seem to be well-lighted.
The wooden home is printed using an industrial polymer printer and is done so precisely that it creates almost zero construction waste. The technology used to build the BioHome3D ensures that the home is primarily manufactured off-site using automation, which leads to less time being needed for off-site building and setting up the home. This serves as an excellent solution in tackling against the issue of labor shortage and supply chain.
FABUWOOD CABINETRY
Illume Frameless Cabinets
Fabuwood Cabinetry, a cabinet manufacturer established in 2009, has launched the Illume cabinetry line that the company says is an innovative and modern take on frameless cabinetry. The cabinets are clubbed together with new slab door style, Catalina. Illume – the ultramodern cabinet style featuring frameless cabinets was first made popular in Europe as the go-to cabinet design. The trend quickly gained popularity with American designers and homeowners alike, as a highly sought-after cabinet choice for any kitchen.
The basic idea of the frameless cabinet is that the face frame of the cabinet is eliminated so just the box of the cabinet remains. The doors are attached directly to the cabinet sides, allowing for a clean, streamlined look. In contrast to standard base cabinets, the frameless Illume series allows for 15% more space in the cabinets and drawers. This is especially helpful for small kitchens where every inch matters.
According to the company, Illume embodies Fabuwood’s commitment to delivering the latest technology and most transformative designs to their customers. Illume includes Threespine construction which features an interlocking system for maximum durability. The cabinets are finished with a custom white linen interior for a luxurious and one-of-a-kind feel. Illume also features top of the line Blum hardware, including Compact Clip hinges for simple installation and soft-close technology for a smooth user experience. tandem drawer boxes included with Illume gives maximum drawer extension for full, easy reach to the entirety of the drawer box.
HVILA EDITIONS
Robert George’s Ash Vessel from trees
Design gallery ‘hvila editions’ recently unveiled several design innovations at Dubai’s Downtown Design. The hand-picked furniture pieces, lighting, and kitchenware by artists and designers orchestrate a seeming fever dream with glowing dragon scales, amoeba sand vases, and tree-trunk ash vessels. hvila editions founder Anita Hansen shares that the design pieces reveal deep intuition and convey the emotions of their makers as part of the poetic narrative the series is aiming for, coupled with a contemporary and artistic sensibility.
British arborist and artist Robert George works trees into eye-catching objects such as hand-carved ash vessels. For his collection with hvila editions, he turns freshly-sawn ash wood into urns, reminiscent of going back to and being one with nature afterlife. George explains that as the bowl dries, the wood releases its tension and forms new shapes, making it easier to carve it to his desire. ‘Certain areas are left smooth to highlight interest in the wood and grain patterns. When the sunrays shine through the wood, it seems to become nearly transparent,’ he adds.
After countless hours of turning and fine hollowing on the lathe, the surface is then hand carved using traditional gouges. This hand textured surface creates an immersive, haptic experience which allows to reminisce about moments in nature.
