Young designer, (she’s an undergrad at Western Washington U.), Kristen-Lehua Barcheski has come up with some innovative designs for shipping container housing. Her EIGHTx8 series features concepts that utilize the ubiquitous cargo container as the basic building unit.

The compact, modular nature of the container units makes them an ideal living solution for crowded urban communities. (more…)

Love those fresh and healthy homegrown greens but strapped for space? Think vertical. For a thoroughly modern take on things, check out these living minigarden walls -  modular systems for indoors or out that conserve water – their unique design reduces evaporation and keeps compost moist. The drainage system directs excess water to the base of the installation to prevent the plants in the bottom tier from being over-watered.

Screen systems can even provide extra privacy on your balcony or pretty framing around your windows. Perfect for high stylin’ homesteaders and locavores – just pluck lettuce and herbs off the wall and prepare you and your pals a homegrown salad. (more…)