Casa Verde: Hexayurt for Temporary Shelter

CasaSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:00:32 -0700

I love to find examples of good design that's working for a good cause. In the case of designer Vinay Gupta's Hexayurt, those two elements are definitely present. The Hexayurt is, in Gupta's words, a "microbuilding." Gupta's design is a small, strong, and economic structure that can be erected in about two hours, and is made from easily accessible materials such as insulation board, plastic, and cardboard. The Hexayurt has a high R-value, which means that it is relatively comfortable in high and low temperatures.

Gupta's designs for the Hexayurt are in the public domain, which means that they are available for free download. While the Hexayurt was originally envisioned as a refugee shelter, it's recently gained popularity at campsites at the desert festival Burning Man.

To see a video explaining the Hexayurt, read more.

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Casa Query: What's in Your Junk Drawer?

CasaSugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:15:40 -0800

In nearly every home, a junk drawer is growing, luring refugee "stuff" to find solace there. It's unavoidable really; there are always some odds and ends with no place to go, and the junk drawer is the only haven for them. The trick is clear that junk drawer out frequently, and organize what's left into categories and containers. Regardless of whether it's organized, I know you have one. Admit it. So tell me, what's in your junk drawer?
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