Wood: A bicycle by BSG.

Using technology, the spirit of which was developed in early bi-plane aircraft design, this bicycle seems to have come full circle in its use of wood and steel.
Its frame is made from Ash ply, with steel stays and forks. The result is a bicycle that is light, flexible and gives a comfortable riding experience.
The firm, BSG, was founded by two designers, Thierry Boltz and Claude Saos, who both enjoy cycling. They wanted to create a bicycle that was uncomplicated, gave a comfortable ride and had a lower environmental footprint. It was also important but that it could be maintained at home or in a traditional cycle repair shop.
Using high quality materials the bicycle is planned in four configurations around the basic theme allowing things like gears and breaks to be customizable. Each bicycle is hand built to order by craftsmen using traditional techniques.

by editorial office Detail Daily on 08/20/2013

Photo credits: spielplatz

small scale living

Smart student units

Client Co-operation between AF Bostäder & Martinsons

Year of Commission 2013

City Virserum and Lund

A student unit of only 10 square meters is currently exhibited at the Virserum Art Museum in the county Småland, Sweden.

Tengbom Architects has designed a student unit for students which is affordable, environmental-friendly and smart both in terms of design and choice of materials. The project is a collaboration with wood manufacturer Martinsons and real estate company AF Bostäder. To meet the needs of students in a sustainable, smart and affordable way was the key questions when Tengbom in collaboration with students at the University of Lund was designing this student unit of 10 square meters. The unit is now displayed in Virserum Art Museum. In 2014, 22 units will be built and ready for students to move into.

To successfully build affordable student housing requires innovative thinking and new solutions. The area in each unit is reduced from current requirement, 25 square meters to 10 square meters through legal consent. This truly compact-living flat still offers a comfortable sleeping-loft, kitchen, bathroom and a small garden with a patio. Through an efficient layout and the use of cross laminated wood as a construction material the rent is reduced by 50 % and the ecological impact and carbon footprints is also significantly reduced. Energy efficiency is a key issue when designing new buildings. Choosing right material and manufacturing methods is vital to minimize the carbon emission and therefore wood was chosen for its carbon positive qualities, and as a renewable resource it can be sourced locally to minimize transportation. The manufacturer method was chosen because of is flexible production and for its assembling technique which can be done on site to reduce construction time.

The exhibit is open to the public until the 8th of December.

Photographer: Bertil Hertzberg