Light-filled extension camouflages itself into a hillside

Ellena Mehl Architects skillfully disguised a modern new extension inside the terraced gardens of a traditional Provencal farmhouse in southeast France. Located in an old hamlet dating back to before the 19th century, the new addition, named SPE House, is undeniably contemporary yet complements the historic landscape with its use of stone, a nod to the nearby retaining walls. Wild grass covers the terraced roof and minimizes the building’s visual impact on the landscape. The 120-square-meter...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/light-filled-extension-camouflages-itself-into-a-hillside
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Wild grasses grow atop an Icelandic homes folded roof

Wild grasses and heather temper the hard lines of this striking modern home in Iceland. Reykjavik-based Studio Granda designed B14, a villa partially built from the recycled remains of the clients’ former dwelling. The undulating landscaped roof appears to mimic the nearby Bláfjöll mountain ridge, while the roofline’s valleys and folds help collect rainwater that tricks down the walls in open copper channels. B14’s unusual fan-like roof takes inspiration from the site’s...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/wild-grasses-grow-atop-an-icelandic-homes-folded-roof
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HOW TO VIDEO: Make Delicious Raw Almond Cranberry Christmas Cookies!

Everybody loves sweet treats at the holidays, but many of us who are trying to stay in shape would rather consume healthy sweets packed with protein, good fats, fiber and vitamins than processed grains and sugar. That's why these amazing RAW COOKIES made purely

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/how-to-video-make-delicious-raw-vegan-almond-cranberry-christmas-cookies
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China Bans 'Foreign Waste,' causing recycling turmoil in America

When you drop those bottles and plastic containers off to be recycled, do you know where they go? The United States exports around one third of recycling, and almost half of that heads over to China. But China recently decided to ban some solid garbage, saying foreign waste often has too many hazardous or dirty non-recyclable items. This has prompted some waste collection and recycling companies to take items that could have been recycled to landfills. Related:

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/china-bans-foreign-waste-leading-to-recycling-turmoil-in-america
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13 heirloom gifts that will stand the test of time

A gift that will stand the test of time is one that can be treasured by many people - not just the current recipient! Heirloom gifts such as cast iron cookware, pocketwatches, and rare books can literally last for generations if loved and cared for properly,

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/14-heirloom-gift-ideas-that-will-stand-the-test-of-time
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This result is of cosmic significance, says scientist of new form of matter

Physicists at the University of Illinois have announced the exciting news that they have discovered a new form of matter known as excitonium. Although theorized more than half a century ago, excitonium was only recently confirmed in experiments by the research team, which also included scientists from University of California and Berkeley, and University of Amsterdam. Excitonium is composed of a type of boson, a composite particle whose unique qualities enable excitonium to serve as a superconductor,...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/this-result-is-of-cosmic-significance-says-scientist-of-new-form-of-matter
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America's first private high-speed train could take 3M cars off the roads

America isn't exactly known for high-speed train travel. But a new express train project taking off in Florida could change that - and will be the first private, high-speed rail service in the country. Brightline, owned by Florida East Coast Industries, will allow people to travel from Fort Lauderdale to Miami in half an hour, on trains propelled by diesel electric engines. Related:

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/americas-first-private-high-speed-train-could-take-3m-cars-off-the-roads
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