Shape of 'molecular graphene' determines electronic properties

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) form an important class of molecules, which can be regarded as small graphene species and which play a prominent role in the development of organic electronics. Scientists now show that the edge structures of these apparently similar molecules are responsible for spectacular differences in transport properties, allowing for smarter design of new materials.

Invisibility cloak with photonic crystals

Almost as elusive as unicorns, finding practical materials for invisibility cloaking is challenging. Researchers have new ideas how to solve that. They're using crystal "atoms" made of dielectric rods called photonic crystals.

Standing still may help improve antennas that scan in all directions

Antennas often need to trace circles in the sky. For example, radar arrays atop air-traffic control towers rotate to sweep signals in all directions. Now, electrical engineers are working out a new strategy to create antennas that spin their beams in circles while the devices stand still.

Pavilion Made of Stacked Shipping Containers

It seems like the shipping container architecture trend has been dying down, but there are still interesting projects popping up. Such as this cantilevered pavilion constructed by the People's Architecture Office in China. The entire structure is made of recycled shipping containers, and they used these building blocks primarily so that the structure would be easy to move if needed.

The pavilion is located in the northern Chinese province of Shanxi. The structure has two floors, and the top one is created by six cantilevered yellow shipping containers, which perpendicularly overlap the ground floor and stick out the side of the building in an interesting way. There is also a roof level, which offers outdoor recreation space and great views of the surrounding area. The cantilevered shipping containers that make up the first floor also maximize the rooftop views, as well as provide shade for the communal areas at the ground level.

The interior of the building is basically a double-height atrium. They left the six shipping containers that form the top level pretty much intact (apart from painting them a vibrant yellow). But the six containers that were used to build the ground level were far more modified. The sides were cut off, and remaining pieces welded together. They also removed the ends of the containers and replaced them with floor-to-ceiling windows, which lets in plenty of light and allows for a great cross-draft.

Given the size of the structure, and the way it was conceived it seems odd that the main aim was to create a building that would be easy to disassemble and move. But then again, compared to a brick and mortar one, it is easy to move. The pavilion was completed in late 2015.

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Graphene key to growing two-dimensional semiconductor with extraordinary properties

The first-ever growth of two-dimensional gallium nitride using graphene encapsulation could lead to applications in deep ultraviolet lasers, next-generation electronics and sensors.

Designing ultrasound tools with Lego-like proteins

Ultrasound imaging is used around the world to help visualize developing babies and diagnose diseases. Sound waves bounce off the tissues, revealing their different densities and shapes. The next step in ultrasound technology is to image not just anatomy, but specific cells and molecules deeper in the body, such as those associated with tumors or bacteria in our gut. Now scientists say that [rotein engineering techniques might one day lead to colorful ultrasound images of cells deep within our bodies.

Modular Home Expands to Meet Your Needs

The Portuguese design firm Appleton & Domingos recently designed the so-called Treehouse Riga, which is a modular home that can be easily adapted to the owner's needs. The designs were created for the modular homebuilder Jular. Given that it's a prefab home, there's less construction waste as compared to traditional building methods, and expanding it to accommodate a growing family, for example, is a breeze.

The basic version of Treehouse Riga measures 474 sq ft (44 sq m) and features two bedrooms. It's made of just two modules. Each module measures 236 sq ft (22 sq m) and they are joined together in an offset way, which creates exterior spaces that slightly are different from each other. Presumably, more modules can simply be attached to the home, to create additional spaces such as extra rooms, a studio, a second bathroom and so on.

The kitchen and living area are located in one of the modules, while the two bedrooms and the bathroom are house in the other. The two areas of the home are separated off by a sliding door, which is made of birch wood, to offer privacy when needed. In this way, one of the bedrooms can actually be completely opened up when the sliding wall is pulled away, so it can be used as a living room, sitting area or a home office, as well as a guest bedroom. The home also features copious amounts of glazing, which allow lots of natural light into the interior spaces.

The home has ventilated facades made of ThermoWood, which is a very durable thermally modified wood. These offer privacy, and cozy indoor/outdoor areas. For the walls they used Kerto micro-laminated veneer lumber, which makes a strong and stable structure. All the wood used has a PEFC (chain of custody) certification.

Given that this home is made primarily from wood, and that it doesn't seem to require a concrete foundation, definitely makes it one of the more sustainable modular homes.

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Furniture Can be Fun to Assemble and Take Apart

People that move from place to place often either have to rent already furnished apartments, or they rely on flap pack furniture, which is inexpensive and easy to assemble. However, even IKEA furniture turns rickety, if you try to disassemble and reassemble it one too many times. That's why it's always nice to see alternatives, which were built with frequent disassembling in mind, such as this line of modular furniture designed by UK-based Sam Wrigley. The furniture line is called CRISSCROSS and consists of flat pack cupboards, wardrobes and desks. Sam is a recent graduate, and his main goal in creating it was providing furniture, which would be easy to pack up and take with you when you're moving.

The CRISSCROSS furniture system is made up of wooden panels, which resemble pegboards at first glance. These panels are CNC-cut, and only FSC-certified birch was used to make them. The panels are designed to be joined together into various pieces of furniture using removable brackets and locknuts, which are made of high-grade, anodized aluminum. These simple construction blocks can be used to construct all the necessary pieces of furniture. Assembly is easy, and does not require the use of tools. The finish they used on the panels is a natural, non-toxic wood wax. Customers can choose between a red, grey, black or natural color for the furniture.

Sam will be raising funds via a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter with the aim of bringing the idea to market as soon as possible. His campaign is starting on May 17, and provided he raises the funds he needs, he is also considering a number of add-ons to the basic line, such as hooks, handles, towel rails, mirrors and more.

I really like the look of this furniture, and I think students and young professionals will really appreciate it. I also imagine putting these pieces together might be a lot of fun, which would, in itself, make moving a lot less stressful.

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Net Zero Prefab Home Built in California

Mark Jacobson, a professor at Stanford University, California recently commissioned the Canadian firm Bone Structure to build him a prefab net-zero home. And the result is shaping up to be quite astounding. He chose the company because of their proven ability to minimize construction waste, dust and disruption to neighbors, as well as the flexibility and versatility of its steel frame construction method.

The home measures 3,200-sq ft (297-sq m), which is quite large for a net-zero home. The columns and beams needed for framing were precision laser cut at a factory before being transported to the build site and assembled. In this way they were able to make the most of the oddly shaped lot on which the home is built, and achieve an interior layout, which would simply not be possible using traditional construction methods.

Constructing the frame was done in only a few days by five workers using just battery-powered drills and a single type of self-tapping screw, which were used to attach the columns and beams. The next step was installing the electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems, which was made easier by the precut openings in the frame. Once this was achieved, precut insulation panels were clipped into place between the steel columns. Polyurethane foam insulation spray was used to seal the building and act as a vapor barrier. According to the company, a shell like this leaves practically no waste, is fully recyclable and creates a tight, energy-efficient building envelope.

The home is still being constructed, though it will be available to tour on June 24-26. Once completed, the home will be powered solely by electricity (i.e. no gas or other sources). They will install heat pumps for air and water heating, use an induction stove, and all the necessary power will be provided by rooftop-mounted solar panels, with the excess energy stored using Tesla batteries.

Bone Structure is planning to build 50 more homes in the area in the next year.

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Spend Your Vacation in a Tiny House Village

Ever wish you could rent out a tiny home so you could see how living in one actually feels like? Well now you can. The Tumbleweed Tiny House Company are currently building a new tiny house vacation village near Portland, Oregon, and the houses there will soon be available to rent.The village will consist of five homes and it will be located inside the Mt. Hood RV Park. This means that guests will also be able to use the park's amenities, namely the swimming pool and spa, game room, as well as the hiking and biking trails.

The tiny homes that make up the village were built based on plans for Tumbleweed's own offerings. They are all of different sizes, which range from 175 – 260 sq ft (16.2 – 24.15 sq m). The 175 sq ft Atticus can sleep three people, and features a bathroom with a shower, a kitchen, a bedroom on the ground floor and another in the loft. The Scarlett model is the largest at 260 sq ft and can sleep five people. It also has a bedroom on the ground floor, as well as two lofts that can both be used as sleeping areas. This home also has a fully equipped bathroom and kitchen. All the homes were built on trailers and the exterior siding is made of cedar.

They are currently still finishing up the interiors of the houses. Once done, they will be fully equipped with comforts such as a TV, heating, and Wi-Fi. The homes will be plugged into the grid, which will provide the necessary power.

The tiny house village is set to open on May 28, 2016. The rent for the smaller units will be $129 per night, and $139 for the larger ones. That's pretty steep, but it still offers a great way to test out tiny house living before taking the plunge. It would be great if some of the homes were off-grid so people could also get a taste of sustainable living.

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