One of my personal hobbies and interests is the study (and implementation) of making the most out of small spaces.  When I transferred to work in London a few years ago, I was faced with having to live in spaces most Americans would consider microscopic (approx 500 Sq Feet).  It took a lot of though and energy to understand how an American like myself could downsize and be happy in a space that is nearly 75% smaller than anything I’ve ever lived in.  In the end, it’s the happiest I’d been in years!  Now, every relocation I make, I intentionally seek out small spaces that can be transformed into something amazing.  I’ll post my most current one here soon.  Until then, I’ve found this great article about the transformation of an old garage in Bordeaux, France to a great functional living space in only 400 square feet!  See the video and read about it here on the Mother Nature Network. 

Here’s an interesting idea created by Decker Yeadon with sustainability in mind. If you can look beyond all the typical pratfalls that would result from cutting leg-sized holes in your floor (they can be easily patched when not in use), you’ll find the OOoo Chair is a forward thinking idea that may just be ahead of it’s time. My only issue: if this is done for conservation of materials, wouldn’t you be essentially building two floors? Or would your legs simply dangle there ominously? via.

Whether you’ve got some extra rain gutters laying around, or just have limited yard space and need a fresh fix of greens, take a look at this compact garden setup of repurposed gutters spotted over at Juneau Blogger. If only there was only some way to genetically modify the lettuce to replicate that grocery store taste.

Spotted over at Gizmodo, this awesome yet terrifying underwater restaurant is located at the Hilton Resort & Spa in the Maldives and was recently converted to a suite to celebrate its 5 year anniversary. The room is about 5 meters below the surface - which should be just deep enough to offer a glimmer of hope for survival when the inevitable collapse occurs. Other than that, I love this place!

On a recent walk down Lincoln Road mall in Miami Beach, I was interested to see the newest developed area with these awesome modern looking water features.  A great use of open space, and certainly more unusual than just patches of grass that always dies.  These water gardens featured islands with trees, whole portions of aquatic plants, water falls, integrated with areas for people to sit and enjoy the scenery. 

The “W” Hotel & Residences now ready for occupants!

We’ve just learned that the fantastic “W” mixed use condo / hotel project is ready for buyers.  Reportedly selling for $2000/square foot - it’ll be interesting to see how fast they’re able to close out the building. 

Having been fortunate enough to have lived in a mixed use Hotel / Condo building for the past 5 years - I know how exciting the energy is to live in an ever changing environment and meeting all sorts of great people.  I can only imagine that this project will take that experience to an extreme.  I’m just SLIGHTLY jealous…

Check out their marketing site :  [ HERE ]

Since Chicago’s weather was unreasonably bitter in the early stages of single digit temps, I decided to migrate south in search of warmth and good company.  I had the wonderful honor of joining PJ (missed ya Mick!!) in Miami to witness the beginnings of an exciting design transformation of a new Miami based living space. Having worked a few renovation projects of my own with the client of my current job, I am always elated to see the finished product from before to after.  This will be another PM exclusive I am anxious to see, the result of intelligent and functional modern design.  Stay tuned as they unveil this latest unique project! (PJ: reminder # 239)

Transform an eyesore into the centerpiece of your room. You may think that wall outlets are the ugliest part of a high-end entertainment system, but the Outlet Wall turns that concept on its head. While this idea appears to be very costly, designer David Friedman suggests only wiring a certain number of outlets to save on the cost. Perhaps a little more appropriate for a bachelor pad or ”Man Cave” as parents will surely need one of those little plastic inserts for every hole not in use. (Link via Ironic Sans.)

Check out these amazing in-ground wine cellars from Spiral Cellars. Designed to stand out (as pictured) or can be built hidden away and completely discreet. With a constant air flow and temperature, they also function as a natural extension to your kitchen panty. When you add this to some of our recent postings, it’s starting to look like a good time to have a drinking problem. Link, photo via doornob.

What is that source - HEMP… yes, that’s right. The Hemecrete blocks are made from renewable hemp (produced in the UK) , lime and water. The material is actually rated as carbon negative and is vapour permeable when used with an appropriate plaster. The material has numerous benefits for energy efficiency, green construction and fire protection rating (which could be a good thing if you have a neighbor or friend who gets confused and lights up a living room wall… )  

Having lived in a fantastic loft fora few years, I have a love/hate relationship with loft living.  I’m in love with the architecture but the practicality of living in an open, hard space is a different story.  Everything echos, hard to install a proper media system, and minimal privacy.  I’ve paid attention to a number of unique projects over the years—and have always lusted after the $110Million Ten Museum Park, a swanky glass tower overlooking Biscayne bay in Miami.  Towering 51 storeys, it’s innovative design was made to take advantage of an unusually small footprint and maximizing views.  Unfortunately, with the incredible bust in Miami real estate, seems as if the developers can’t keep their website up—so a few places to see great pictures:  [ Zilbert ] [ Wikipedia ] [ Old Developer Site ] - Did I mention select residences have private pools above the city!?

Paul Smith - Union Jack in stamps
Series 7 chair designed by Arne Jacobsen 1955. The chair is decorated in 2005 by Paul Smith in a project between Fritz Hansen and the Danish AIDS foundation (AIDS-Fondet). [read more HERE]

While sitting in my small urban garden today with my laptop I came across this amazing concept for bringing nature back into our concrete jungle. Designed by Chooi-leng Tan the “Brick Habitats” are modular brick replacements which provide homes for plants and birds to move in and liven up the most sterile urban space.

No need to settle for a boring old mailbox on your house - The Letterman by Radius is available in a range of colors or in stainless steel. The pothole in the front lets you see when you have mail and the flap conceals a space for your newspaper to protect it from the weather. From Radius or dealers throughout the world starting at approximately $350USD

While searching for a corporate apartment in Miami, I’ve come across some interesting stuff.  Great deals to be had, amazing views, modern decor.  Not that there aren’t some real dumps… but if you’re willing to part with a few coins, you can get something nice. 

Anyway, there are always units in condo buildings that shock me. People that have gone way overboard.

Two of the best today:

Mirador South Beach - For about $880,000 - you can have an incredible rooftop unit ready to add your modern touch. [ SEE IT HERE ]

Another in the same development, actually my personal favorite for a mere $850K—With wild colors and great taste—[ SEE IT HERE ]