Texas-based studio Moontower Design Build has constructed a "plant-based" cabin in Austin that features cross-laminated timber structural elements and a facade clad in cork.Known as Cross Cabin, the accessory dwelling unit measures 1,000 square feet (93 square metres) in an 8,000 square foot (743-square metre) sloping yard that offers views of the horizon through the tree canopy.Moontower Design Build has constructed a "plant-based" cabin in AustinMoontower Design Build completed the cabin in 2023 as a direct response to the AIA Architecture & Design Materials Pledge to centre design on the holistic impact of a building.Motivated by author Michael Pollan's book Food Rules which advocates for eating real food in moderation with an emphasis on plants Moontower Design Build prioritised materials that were not heavily processed or synthesized and are mostly plant-based.The studio prioritised materials that were not heavily processed or synthesisedThe team curated a material palette that created a compelling architectural experience, completed in 2023."These natural materials like wood and cork are repeatedly presented throughout the home in ways that are intended to provoke an unconventional sensory engagement with building materials," studio co-founder Greg Esparza told Dezeen.Wood characterises the interiorThe cabin is composed of an elevated cross-laminated timber box "blanketed with plant-based insulation like cork, hemp and wood fiber."Seen through the screen of surrounding trees, the rectangular, two-storey cabin's facade resembles tree bark, with fluctuating tones of silver, amber, brown and black cork cladding that will intentionally weather over time.Flooring was finished in thermally treated larchThe box has a single-sloped roof that stretches out to shade protruding windows, nooks and a large porch.The cork-clad exterior transitions to a wood-focussed interior with cross-laminated timber, solid-sawn lumber, plywood and thermally treated Larch floor.The house interacts with light and shadowThe different wood finishes were either left raw or finished with linseed oil. Additionally, the interiors feature expanded cork 100 per cent cork bark and a laminated recycled paper called Richlite.The plant-based palette challenged the team to find creative solutions for different spaces like shower coverings rather than rely on "default setting" materials like drywall, latex paint or tile in the house.The different wood finishes were either left raw or finished with linseed oilEsparza said the most common comment he receives is about how good the interior smells due to the lack of polyurethane sealants."Thinking about smell, touch, heat, and sound as critical design considerations along with sight helped to guide the design and reinforce the singular advantages of minimally processed, natural materials," he said.Moontower Design Build curated a material palette that created a compelling architectural and interior experience"When you are in an intimately scaled space and you are interacting with materials by touching, holding, pulling, and pushing them there are numerous opportunities to appreciate subtle material qualities like the delicate striations, slight iridescence and rich color variations on the surface of the cork or the pleasing texture of a trees growth rings on wood floor or handrail."In addition to smell and texture, the studio said the house interacts with light and shadow more naturally, referencing another layer of biophilic design.Read: Natural Material Studio turns wood offcuts into biomaterials to "utilise the whole tree""The intentional restraint with artificial lighting too means that we are much more in tune with the weather and qualities of light outside than we typically would be," Esparza said."If it's bright and sunny outside, it is bright inside, if its cloudy, the light is lower and more subdued, at sunset, the light inside takes on reddish, orange hues and long shadows stretch across the living room."Cross Cabin is positioned on a sloping yardAfter working with the plant-based palette, Esparza launched Cross Cabin Build + Supply to advocate for and distribute low-carbon, healthy, bio-based building materials in Texas and across the southern US.Other projects that prioritized plant-based materials include an apartment block in Madrid by Spanish architects Teo Nuez and Almudena Ribot and a farm house in Navajeda, Spain by Guera Arquitectura Cooperativa both with a similar cross-laminated timber structure and cork cladding.The photography is by Daniel Cavazos and Casey Woods.Project credits:Architect and builder: Moontower Design Build (Project Team: Greg Esparza, Frank Farkash, Hanna Johns, Leland Crosby, Jessica Cain, Jessica Painter)Structural engineer: Apex Engineers (Matthew Umberger)Landscape: Casey Boyter GardensMaterials supplier/consultant: Cross Cabin SupplyCork: Amorim Cork InsulationThe post Moontower Design Build creates "plant-based" cabin in Austin appeared first on Dezeen.

Finnish design studio Yatofu collaborated with young and local craftspeople to create El Fant Caf and Bar in Helsinki, Finland.The cafe and bar comprises three front of house spaces across 70 square metres, including a central bar with two adjoining dining spaces either side.El Fant Caf and Bar features furniture by Helsinki-based workshop PuutamoYatofu intended to inject the energy of Helsinki's contemporary design community into Torikorttelit, in Helsinki's old town, where El Fant is located."Our approach was rooted in celebrating the timeless qualities of Finnish design while infusing it with a contemporary twist," Yatofu's founders Angela Lindahl and Yihan Xiang told Dezeen.Paja&Bureau created curved galvanised steel shelving for this projectGuests enter into the central bar area featuring a custom galvanised steel bar designed by Yatofu in collaboration with local custom metal workshop Paja&Bureau.They designed the bar counter and matching shelving units to "add a touch of industrial modernity to the space". The steel units bend and curve optimising the flow of the three connected interior spaces.Guests enter El Fant into a central bar areaYatofu also closely collaborated with Helsinki-based carpentry workshop Puutamo, led by young female carpenter Eveliina Ylne, to create solid pine furniture.Yatofu purposefully worked with young and local craftspeople on the project, allowing them "to inject the space with fresh perspectives and a genuine connection to the community," the studio told Dezeen."By working with local craftspeople, we were able to explore new possibilities for local production and celebrate the creativity and innovation that defines the current generation of Finnish craftsmen," they added.The cafe and bar features a pair of Howard Wall lamps by GubiEveliina Ylnen and Yatofu opted for four-centimetre-thick pine boards from northern Finland to create all the custom furniture pieces in the space."Pine was selected for its historical significance in Finnish craftsmanship and its natural characteristics, durability and warmth," said the studio.The interior includes dining chairs from the Finnish brand VaarniiThe result of the collaboration includes a set of stools, benches and tables with both natural and stained finishes."Together, we explored how to maintain the wood's natural beauty while introducing bold, contemporary design elements such as the saturated tomato-red dye, which added a modern twist to the traditional material," Yatofu explained.The bar table features tomato-red stained finishThe stained finish was applied on a table and chairs set in the bar area, as well as benches in the dining areas.Paired with dining chairs from the Finnish brand Vaarnii, the solid pine pieces counterbalance the cool-toned steel.The earth-toned plaster walls are hand-finishedThis balance was also formed through the choice of earth-toned plaster walls and polished concrete flooring. As well as a series of warm-hued spotlights and wall lights, including a pair of Howard Wall lamps by Gubi."The juxtaposition of warm natural materials like pine with cooler, industrial elements like galvanised steel was designed to evoke a sense of balance and harmony," Yatofu explained.This balance of materials across the design scheme aims to create an "atmosphere that feels both relaxed and invigorating".The interior balances contemporary and traditional design elementsOther projects featured on Dezeen by Yatofu include a furniture showroom in Hangzhou, China and a refined teahouse interior in Helsinki, Finland.The photography is by Aleksi Tikkala.The post El Fant Caf and Bar celebrates both traditional and contemporary Finnish design appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen and Bentley's Start Something Powerful Design Competition closes for entries at midnight on Wednesday. Enter before the deadline for the chance to win up to 15,000.The competition, which is free to enter for anyone over the age of 18 in any country, invites architects and designers to reimagine the way future generations live.Contestants are to propose ideas that could be harnessed over the next century to have a significant positive impact on people's health and wellbeing, as well as on the natural environment, to empower people to live fulfilling lives for years to come.Full details of how to enter the contest are included in the competition brief and rules.Contest seeks forward-looking concepts that could have transformative effects on people's livesEntrants are free to design architectural or urban design concepts, product or material innovations, novel mobility or wellness solutions, or anything else that transforms people's way of living.Designs must refer to Bentley's rich heritage of expert craftsmanship and technological innovation. Judges will be looking for ideas that empower people to live fulfilling lives.Read: Bentley and Dezeen launch Start Something Powerful CompetitionCompetition entries will be judged by a panel of designers and journalists from Bentley and Dezeen, who will select the finalists and determine the overall winner.A shortlist will be published on Dezeen in September 2024, with the finalists and winners revealed later in the month.The winner will receive a top prize of 15,000, while the runner-up will receive 10,000 and the third-placed entrant will receive 5,000.How to enterEntrants must produce visualisations depicting their concepts, along with supporting text to describe their idea explaining how it meets the brief.For more information about how to enter, including the full brief and rules, visit www.dezeen.com/bentley-start-something-powerful-competition-brief-rules.Partnership contentThe Start Something Powerful Competition is a partnership between Dezeen and Bentley. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.The post Last chance to enter Dezeen and Bentley's Start Something Powerful Design Competition appeared first on Dezeen.

Scraps of fabric have been recycled into edible treats by designer Jinghan Li, who wants people to consider waste as a resource for food.Li undertook the FabriCandy project as part of her masters in biodesign at London's Central Saint Martins (CSM) college, producing an array of colourful confections.She made the candies by applying the enzyme cellulase to natural fabrics, which breaks down their cellulose content into glucose.Jinghan Li's FabriCandy is made from scraps of fabricFor cotton, which is made of more than 90 per cent cellulose, that means almost all of the fabric was effectively broken down, leaving only a small amount of residue.Cellulose is made of a long chain of glucose molecules so the process, known as enzymatic hydrolysis, simply involves breaking the bonds that connect them.The resulting glucose could theoretically be used to make biofuels or bioplastics, according to Li. However, she chose instead to explore its potential as a raw material for the food and beverage industries.Cotton fabric was made into a soft sweet called Above Clouds"It may be hard for the public to accept that waste streams can become resources for food due to hygiene concerns," said Li. "But most basic materials like cotton and wood are natural materials that existed before industrialisation.""As we continue to obtain resources from nature, we ought to utilise them as much as possible."Denim was given a spiral shape to evoke the rough feel of the fabricLi previously studied biology and did all the research and experiments for FabriCandy herself in CSM's GrowLab, successfully producing glucose and then sweets from her fabric scraps.As well as the cotton, Li worked with linen and a polycotton blend for the project, the latter of which left its synthetic fibres behind as residue.Read: Eleonora Ortolani recycles plastic into vanilla ice-creamShe turned the different fabrics into different sweets, dyed bright with food colouring. Denim she turned into a blue, spiral-shaped sucker that is meant to evoke the sturdy and rough feeling of the textile.Cotton is a squidgy-looking multicoloured sweet called Above Clouds, while linen-based orange Linenergy has a twisted shape to mimic the characteristics of linen fibre. The cotton and PET blend was turned into spheres reminiscent of glass marbles that she calls Shiny-Shiny.Linen was made into a twisted shape as a nod to its fibresWhile Li used waste fabric donated to CSM for FabriCandy, she envisages any future iteration using scraps from the garment industry, where she says 15 per cent of fabric is wasted during pre-production and not always recycled.She said that allowing waste to be used in more unconventional ways means more opportunities to create a closed loop, where all material is ultimately either recycled or returned to the earth.A polycotton blend was made into the brightest sweets of all"When we talk about sustainability and closing the loop, it's usually within one industry," Li said. "I want to create a potential solution for waste management that achieves a closed loop cross different industries, where waste from one industry can become raw material for another industry."Unlike 2023 CSM graduate Eleonora Ortolani, who wasn't allowed to taste the vanilla flavouring she synthesised from plastic, Li has been able to sample her candies and reports they are "sweet indeed".However, she has said more testing would be necessary before they could be declared safe for humans to eat.The post Waste textiles turned into sweets in FabriCandy project appeared first on Dezeen.

Brooklyn homeware brand Remsen has released an aluminium pill container and fluted grab bar as part of its overall pursuit to "reposition the conversation around ageing".Founded by architectural designers Spencer Fried and Sam Zeif, Remsen has created two homeware objects designed to "bring back joy" and make objects elderly people "really want" in the face of a product market that often underserves the population, according to the founders.New York brand Remsen has launched two homeware objects designed for an ageing populationThe brand has released a pill container and grab bar and has designed further products, including a stainless steel cane, a cast aluminium key turn and large-print playing cards paired with an ergonomic holder.The designers began working on the objects after witnessing elderly family members struggle with or underutilising everyday objects made specifically for an older population such as a relative's shower chair while living closer to them during the Covid-19 pandemic.The brand intends to create "luxury home goods" for the elderly"It was clear that the things our loved ones needed, they really didn't want to the point where they would rather not use the things they needed," Zeif told Dezeen."That was a prompt for us as designers to look at these things and think about how we could bring joy back to them."The objects were designed to "bring back joy" to homeware design for the elderlyThrough products such as its pill container, a frosted acrylic, aluminium disk with a magnetic closure and the fluted, polished nickel grab bar, the brand plans to offer design-forward, "luxury home goods" for the elderly, in contrast to "cheap" objects already on the market."Everything that's being offered is a race to the lowest common denominator, in terms of quality, in terms of price, in terms of function," said Fried"We're taking products that everybody needs as they get older and have been historically categorized as geriatric products we're re-envisioning them as luxury home goods."The brand has designed a teakwood shower chairThe pair mentioned "institutional furniture brands" such as Herman Miller as major references for the brand's overall appearance and stressed functionality and aesthetics."The design of the pill container itself is geared around ease of use, and it's a really sort of luxurious size," said Zeif. "Most pill containers are made for travel. They're this transient, cheap plastic thing."It has also designed a cane that stands independently"This is meant to sit on your bedside table. It's a fixture that's meant to stay in place."The interior contains seven, circular compartments split in half to delineate the morning and evening, with embossed markers to indicate the day and time.Key turns were designed to lessen the force needed to lock and unlock doorsA translucent inner lid is turned with a small central knob, uncovering a single day as it turns, while a magnetic closure seals the entire object.For the ADA-compliant grab bar, the design came from experience specifying the objects for previous buildings.Read: Eighteen designers create walking sticks for their future selves"The grab bar is one of our best examples of something that is specified in many spaces, but seems to be an afterthought," said Fried. "But it takes up just as much surface area or real estate within a project as other fixtures.""We're starting with the pill container and the grab bar, which are two quintessential products that embody the functionality and beauty that we want to define Remsen," added Zeif.The brand's founders hope to "reposition" the conversation around ageingOther products the pair have designed for the brand include a natural teakwood shower chair, a cane that sits upright independently on a turned wood base and metal key coverings designed to ease locking and unlocking doors, with plans to release them next year."Our goal is to elaborate and reposition the conversation around ageing," said Fried. "We should be all stoked to get there. It's a blessing and gift. And we want to communicate that through our objects."Other objects designed for ageing include a coffin designed by Anker Bak as part of a philosophy of "dignity design" and a series of canes created by designers for their future selves.The photography is courtesy of Remsen.The post Remsen releases homeware to "bring back joy" to design for the elderly appeared first on Dezeen.

The online marketplace Tiny House Listings recently created a new towable home which is pretty large and spacious. Called the 28 Model Tiny, this cozy house features a light-filled interior that is great for those who hate climbing stairs into the bed every night. All the amenities are mostly arranged on one floor. The tiny home measures 8.5 meters, and it is on the smaller side for typical North American tiny home models. The tiny house is based on a triple-axle trailer and features a finishing of wood and cement board siding. It is accentuated by a steel roof.Designer: Tiny House ListingsThe tiny home occupies 224 square feet and has a pretty airy and impressive layout. The interior is quite open and can be accessed via double glass doors which lead to the living room. The living area includes a sofa with integrated storage, as well as a bed. The glazing is pretty generous and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It also allows light to generously stream in. The kitchen is located next to the living area, and this includes a sink, induction stove, cabinetry, and a big pantry. The kitchen also includes quartz counters, and an apartment-sized fridge/freezer, as well as a dining table for two people.The 28 Model Tiny Homes kitchen and bathroom are connected via a pocket sliding door. The bathroom is pretty small and compact, and it includes a shower, a flushing toilet, and a wall-mounted sink. A loft is located above the bathroom, and this is big enough to be used as a bathroom, but since it doesnt include any windows, it is better used as a storage space.The 28 Model Tiny is a well-designed and free-flowing home for those who prefer open layouts, and spaces that seem inviting and airy. It is well-equipped with generous glazing, and an ample amount of storage space. All the rooms are placed on one floor, which facilitates easy movement, and eliminates the need for stairs.The post Light-Filled & Airy Tiny Home Eliminates Stairs By Arranging All Rooms On One Floor first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Jellyfishbot, developed by IADYS in 2016, is a robotic cleaner emphasizing practical design and versatility to combat water pollution effectively. Launched in 2018, it has revolutionized how marinas, ports, and other hard-to-reach areas are cleaned, thanks to its thoughtfully engineered design. Unlike larger machines that often struggle with precision, the Jellyfishbot is compact and agile, allowing it to navigate tight spaces and around obstacles. This capability makes it ideal for handling various tasks, from picking up everyday debris like plastic waste to managing more severe environmental threats like oil spills. Its design is not just about getting into difficult areas; it ensures those areas are thoroughly cleaned.IADYS has created several models of the Jellyfishbot, each tailored to specific tasks:Jellyfishbot Classic: This original model is well-suited for general cleaning tasks in marinas, ports, and smaller bodies of water. Its compact design and ability to be remotely operated make it particularly effective in accessing and cleaning areas that larger vessels cannot reach, making it a reliable choice for routine maintenance.Jellyfishbot Expert: Building on the Classics foundation, the Expert model integrates advanced sensors that provide real-time water quality monitoring and depth measurement. Its designed for more complex environments, such as industrial sites, where it can handle cleaning and environmental monitoring, making it an efficient dual-purpose tool.Jellyfishbot Mobile Oil Skimmer: This model is specifically engineered to respond to oil spills. It efficiently skims oil from the waters surface without needing disposable materials, reducing costs and environmental impact. The design allows it to operate in narrow, shallow areas, making it particularly effective in sensitive environments like riverbanks.Jellyfishbot Custom: IADYS offers a custom version of the Jellyfishbot for clients with unique or specialized requirements. This model can be equipped with additional sensors, tools, or features to meet specific environmental challenges, ensuring the robot is fully capable of addressing the exact needs of any situation.The differences between the Jellyfishbot and a consumer product like the Beatbot iSkim Ultra, reviewed by Yanko Design, are significant in terms of design and application. The iSkim Ultra is designed especially for pool cleaning, focusing on high-speed, efficient debris removal within the controlled environment of a swimming pool. Its design emphasizes quick and thorough cleaning of a confined area, ensuring the pool remains clear of debris like leaves and dirt.On the other hand, the Jellyfishbot is built to operate in much more varied and complex environments. Its designed for natural and industrial water bodies, tackling larger-scale challenges such as macro-waste, oil spills, and environmental monitoring. While the iSkim Ultra excels in maintaining the cleanliness of swimming pools, the Jellyfishbots versatility and adaptability make it suitable for a wide range of outdoor water cleanup tasks that demand more robust and flexible solutions.Both robots share key design elements, such as compactness, maneuverability, and the ability to operate autonomously or under remote control. These features highlight their shared emphasis on providing user-friendly, automated solutions for surface cleaning in water environments. However, the Jellyfishbots design includes additional capabilities, such as sensors for water quality monitoring and the ability to manage hazardous waste, which extends its utility far beyond the iSkim Ultra.After reviewing the Beatbot iSkim Ultra, Yanko Design recommended enhancing its functionality by incorporating features that pool owners care about. These features include monitoring pH levels, analyzing water chemistry, and recommending chemical adjustments. Such upgrades would transform the iSkim Ultra from a device focused solely on surface cleaning into a comprehensive pool management tool, addressing a broader range of maintenance needs. While the iSkim Ultra currently excels in clearing debris from the waters surface, these potential enhancements would align it more closely with the Jellyfishbots multifunctional approach, offering users a smarter, more integrated solution for pool care.The variety within the Jellyfishbot lineup reflects IADYSs commitment to addressing diverse environmental challenges with specialized tools. Each model is crafted to meet specific needs, whether its handling routine debris in marinas or dealing with the complexities of oil spill cleanup. The Jellyfishbots design focuses on delivering functionality and efficiency, ensuring that, regardless of the task, theres a model equipped to tackle it effectively.In contrast, the Beatbot iSkim Ultra is purpose-built for the specific environment of swimming pools. Its design is tailored to quickly and efficiently clean this controlled environment, where debris is typically more predictable and less hazardous than what the Jellyfishbot encounters. While the iSkim Ultra handles its intended job with precision, the Jellyfishbots range of models is engineered to tackle a broader spectrum of water cleaning tasks, especially in environments where precision and adaptability are crucial.The post Jellyfishbot vs. Beatbot iSkim Ultra: A Tale of Two Robotic Cleaners Designed for Different Worlds first appeared on Yanko Design.

PROS: Green and bronze looks great Subtly improved off-road capability Typical RAV4 utilityCONS: Reduced fuel economy Worse on-road mannersRATINGS:AESTHETICSERGONOMICSPERFORMANCEVALUE FOR MONEYEDITOR'S QUOTE:The Woodland Edition adds a strong dose of rugged style and a bit of extra capability, but the return may not be worth the efficiency and financial cost.The auto market is being flooded with semi-rugged, lightly off-road editions of everyday SUVs, and Toyotas getting in on the game with this. Its the RAV4 Woodland Edition, a version of its ubiquitous and perpetually popular SUV that looks a little more ready for adventure than its lesser versions.But is it actually a functional upgrade, and is it worth the roughly $3,000 over a base RAV4 Hybrid LE? Thats what I aimed to find out in my week with this green and gold hybrid.DesignBefore we even get into the functional upgrades on the Woodland Edition, Im tempted to say this flavor of Toyotas RAV4 SUV is worth the extra cost for the color scheme alone. That color, which Toyota calls Army Green, works remarkably well on this car. Its not quite a military olive drab in that it definitely has a glossy hue to it, but its certainly in the same chromatic family.Pairing that with a set of satin bronze wheels is an act of genius, resulting in an SUV with far more presence than any of the dozen other RAV4s youll likely find in the average parking lot. This is the best color combination available in Toyotas crossover at the moment, and you can only get it in the Woodland edition.That said, even the base RAV4 is not a bad-looking machine. Though its facelift is getting a bit familiar at this point, its angular styling cues and the dramatic, downward sweep of the lines running from the rear fenders all the way to the front grille give it an active stance that works perfectly with the attitude of the Woodland Edition.Pick the Woodland, and you get the roof rack with rails standard, plus those 18-inch wheels and the all-terrain tires theyre covered in.Things are less dramatic on the inside. Where that green and cold combo dominates your view as you approach, the only special touches on the inside are on the floor: a set of all-weather floor mats with Woodland Edition embossed on them, plus a few pine trees emblems. Those mats provide a functional upgrade for sure, but hardly a striking one visually.The rest of the interior is standard stuff, thoughtfully laid out and featuring durable materials, but not much to look at. The RAV4 seats five maximum, with rear seats ample for two but only passable for three passengers. A separate heating vent plus a pair of USB-C ports are the only creature comforts available to those in the back.The two front seats feature prodigious heating, toggled with chunky physical switches that stay in whatever position you left them last.So, if youre the sort who wants a perpetually warm backside, you wont have to reach for that button every time you start up this SUV. The steering wheel heating is less effective, but it too at least stays enabled between car starts.Seat upholstery is of a basic fabric embossed with a geometric pattern that adds just a bit of visual appeal to an otherwise dark interior, though the light headliner helps. The dashboard, door cards, and center console are a mixture of leather-textured black vinyl and hard black plastics, with a few slashes and hints of matte silver plastic throughout.Again, its not much to look at on the inside, but the numerous pockets and storage compartments leave ample opportunity for stashing stuff, while the cargo net out back in the hatch ensures that whatever you put in the 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space will stay put. The rear seats fold down with a 60/40 split, expanding that cargo volume to 69.8.Other than those seat heaters, tactile controls are limited to the HVAC system, which features some oversized, chunky knobs that are a pleasure to spin. Theres a smaller volume knob as well and a small knob for cycling between Eco and Sport modes, but thats about it.Software and safetyMost interior controls are available through the eight-inch touchscreen running Toyotas Drive Connect system, which offers integrated navigation and a voice assistant. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also available, which I found to be a far more appealing option.The gauge cluster features a series of traditional analog gauges with a digital, virtual gauge system in the center. This display is customizable to cycle through a series of vehicle settings, parameters, or navigation prompts if you like. Theres nothing particularly notable here, but its all perfectly functional.In terms of active safety, the Woodland Edition features Toyotas Safety Sense 2.5 system, which includes features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, roadside sign detection, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The adaptive cruise worked well, but the lane-keep assist was a little less reliable in my testing. It often struggled to detect road markings and only made very late, very indistinct corrections to keep the car centered.On (and off) the roadThe RAV4 is a simple, pleasant SUV to drive in most situations. The Woodland Edition doesnt do much to change that formula, but it does add just a hint of additional capability. The suspension in this version has been retuned, slightly stiffer with up-rated bump stops, capable of handling the trails that Toyota apparently thinks people will be hitting in this thing.Additionally, theres a Trail drive mode, which Toyota says helps to maximize grip, but in my testing in slippery conditions, I couldnt detect any difference. The front wheels always seemed to break loose first and most significantly before the rears got much in the way of power from the hybrid system out back.The Woodland Editions biggest change, regardless, is what it rolls on. 18-inch Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires have been mounted on all four corners, far chunkier and more aggressive than the usual all-seasons found fitted on the RAV4.Does any of it make a difference in terms of off-road performance? The suspension upgrade should make the Woodland Edition survive slightly harder stuff offroad, and theres no doubt the tires will provide more grip on loose surfaces.On-road, the changes are definitely noticeable, with some increased road noise and a slight decrease in everyday ride quality. While far short of harsh, the Woodland Edition was less pleasant over the bumps and frost heaves that plague the roads near me as we come out of an extended winter season. Whether its the tires, suspension, or some combination of the two, I cant say for sure, but if on-road poise and comfort is your priority, you might want to go for an XLE instead.In terms of power, as in any other RAV4 hybrid, the 219 horsepower hybrid system in the Woodland Edition is more than adequate but far from breathtaking. The car accelerates cleanly and has plenty of power to keep up with traffic, plus reasonable throttle response, largely thanks to the hybrid system. However, when most people are shopping for Toyota Hybrids, their top priority is fuel economy, and I wasnt blown away there.The Woodland Edition is rated for 38 mpg in the city, 35 on the highway, and 37 combined. In my mixed testing, I did substantially worse, coming in at 32.3 mpg. An XSE, meanwhile, is rated for 39 mpg combined. Those all-terrain tires here surely dont help, nor does the roof rack up top.Options and pricingThe 2024 Toyota RAV4 starts at $28,675 for a base LE edition. For a Woodland Edition, youre looking at a minimum of $34,695. My model included the $925 Weather Package, which adds on heated seats and steering wheel, plus $500 for that exterior color, which brought the total price to $37,470 after a $1,350 destination charge. That compares favorably to its most direct competitor, a Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition, which starts at $34,920. Is it worth the extra $3,000 over a RAV4 LE hybrid? I dont know if it is. While I appreciate the desire for something with more off-road capability and love the look and color scheme here, I cant say that Im convinced the on-road penalty combined with the extra cost is worthwhile. The mpg hit also doesnt seem worthwhile unless youre frequently going to be making use of those all-terrain tires or that roof rack.In general, Id recommend sticking with the RAV4 XLE hybrid, which is an excellent SUV and continues to be a value leader and saves. But, if you want something with a smidge more attitude and have a bit more to spend, I dont blame you for being tempted by this green and bronze charmer.The post 2024 Toyota RAV4 Woodland Edition Review : A True Adventure Upgrade or Just a Facelift first appeared on Yanko Design.

Popular LEGO stop-motion animator Hachiroku24 gave us a taste of Deadpool & Wolverine two full years before the real deal. Even though the final movie was star-studded with more cameos than we could possibly hope for, Hachiroku24s LEGO build is no less, featuring a fight scene between Logan and the merc within the hallways of X-Mansion, with Prof. X, Cyclops, and Storm in the background watching with what I can only assume is a sense of despair as the two immortals absolutely trash the mansion.Designer: Hachiroku24Given that the diorama was created two full years before the movie, a lot is left to Hachiroku24s imagination and with good reason the LEGO scene fun, chaotic, and captures a slow-motion build-up of the two superheroes going at each others throats something we all expected early on. I wouldnt be surprised if its because of Deadpool either being outright obnoxious or flirting with Storm. Wolverine has his claws out, lunging towards a suited Wade Wilson, who has his non-golden pistoleros pointed in obvious self defense.The rest of the scene is literal chaos. Furniture broken, curtains and decor knocked over, a marble bust on the floor along with a croissant and a mug of coffee. Meanwhile, rather than intervening, Xavier, Cyclops, and Storm just stand aside and let the two supes go at each others throats, knowing that Logans temper and Deadpools incessant blabbermouthery cannot be controlled.Although LEGO wont sell this set, the fact that Hachiroku24 built it on his own means its technically possible to source the parts required to put this diorama together. If youre reading this, Hachiroku24, were waiting for you to drop a DIY video on YouTube!The post Someone Made A Deadpool & Wolverine LEGO Set in 2022 And Were Only Discovering It Now first appeared on Yanko Design.

Wheelchairs and mobile robots are useful (and sometimes necessary) tools for those who need them but because of the way their wheels are built, there are a lot of limitations as to where they can go. Uneven surfaces and high obstacle areas can sometimes be unaccessible for them. Researchers have been trying to reinvent the wheel so to speak by coming up with a wheel that can adjust to different terrains. This latest one from Korean researchers may just be the most promising.Designers: Jae-Young Lee, Seongji Han, Munyu Kim, Yong-Sin Seo, Jongwoo Park, Dong Il Park, Chanhun Park, Hyunuk Seo, Joonho Lee, Hwi-Su Kim, Jeongae Bak, Hugo Rodrigue, Jin-Gyun Kim, Joono Cheong, Sung-Hyuk SongThis Variable-stiffnessmorphing wheel that they are testing out is actually inspired by the surface tension of a droplet of liquid. The main thing about this experimental wheel is that it is able to ride through uneven terrain and go through obstacles while still keeping what makes a wheel a wheel when driving through flat ground. Youll have to go back to your physics notes to fully understand but the basic idea is to create an imbalance in the cohesive forces between molecules. This deformable wheel that theyre developing has a smart chain structure which is a chain of blocks outside the wheel that is connected by wire spokes to opposite sides of the central hub. From the demo video that they showed, the wheel is able to deform and adapt to the surface so it could travel over the obstacles it encounters. The two-wheeled wheelchair they used was able to ride through grassy ground with uneven surfaces. There was not video of the four-wheeled vehicle but they said it was able to drive over rocks and large steps. Its still early stages in this research so there are things they need to improve on. For example, dust and particles are able to get through to the smart chain blocks so the wheels are easily damaged. And the video of the wheelchair shows theres an extreme forward tilt to the chair part so its not that safe for passengers yet. But this morphing wheel is promising and may eventually be useful for wheelchairs, mobile robots, and other uses. The post Morphing wheel research can ride over uneven surfaces and obstacles first appeared on Yanko Design.