Twin timber buildings draw inspiration from traditional Japanese shrines

Local architectural firm Yuji Tanabe Architects recently completed twin timber buildings on a historic street in the Japanese city of Kamakura. In deference to the existing street architecture and the city’s Great Buddha landmark, the buildings feature a double roof facade with proportions inspired by traditional Japanese shrines. The project, dubbed SASAMEZA, is built of locally sourced timber to reduce embodied energy. Built for commercial use, SASAMEZA occupies a commercial block facing...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/twin-timber-buildings-draw-inspiration-from-traditional-japanese-shrines
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EU moves forward with its plastic ban

The European Union is moving forward with its plastic ban initiative. The EU just signed off on a plan that will prohibit single-use plastics throughout participating countries by the year 2021. The law targets specific plastics while forcing companies to pay for any pollution their products may cause. "Today we have taken an important step to reduce littering and plastic pollution in our oceans and seas," the European Commission's Frans Timmermans, explained. "Europe is setting new and ambitious...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/eu-moves-forward-with-its-plastic-ban
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These solar-powered floating homes are built to withstand floods and hurricanes

Related: + Via

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/these-solar-powered-floating-homes-are-built-to-withstand-floods-and-hurricanes
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Teens exposed to air pollution more likely to experience psychotic episodes, new study says

Air pollution may have more long-term effects on teens than previously thought. A new study conducted in the UK found that adolescents who are exposed to pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, harmful particles, and nitrogen dioxide, are more likely to experience psychotic episodes during their teen years. People living in densely populated, urban areas have increased risks of having clinical psychosis. This includes disorders like schizophrenia. Prior to the new study, researchers had yet to...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/teens-exposed-to-air-pollution-more-likely-to-experience-psychotic-episodes-new-study-says
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A passive solar home embraces nature with a reduced footprint

Walls of glass pull the outdoors in at the Lake Manitouwabing Residence, a new four-season family residence designed by MJMA (MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects) to replace a 1930s abode. Located in the Ontario town of McKellar, the contemporary house was engineered to embrace indoor/ outdoor living without compromising energy savings. To that end, the architects designed the house to take advantage of passive heating and cooling and integrated energy-saving technologies such as concrete radiant...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/a-passive-solar-home-embraces-nature-with-a-reduced-footprint
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Anti-pollution skincare products: Everything you need to know

Anti-pollution skincare products are the latest trend in the skincare industry. As people battle an increasingly toxic atmosphere, these products promise to combat harmful particles associated with pollution in major cities. These products work by cleansing the skin from nanoparticles that are absorbed from the air or by creating a protective barrier that acts as a shield against pollutants. But just how effective are anti-pollution skincare products? The Need For Pollution Protection The call...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/anti-pollution-skincare-products-everything-you-need-to-know
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This tiny home allows a family of 3 to go off the grid in Maui

Related: Serene off-grid tiny home sits tucked away in a Hawaiian rainforest + The Reveal Via Design Sponge tiny home

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/this-tiny-home-allows-a-family-of-3-to-go-off-the-grid-in-maui
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