Dornob | Design Ideas Daily

Folding Cardboard Playhouse is a Sweet Small-Space Treat

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 10:00 AM PST

Adults like to have cool places to live in, but what about the kids in our lives? My Space from designer Liya Mairson is a folding playhouse for kids that is not only a blast to play in – it’s also small-space-friendly.

The playhouse was inspired by pop-up books, which are almost universally beloved by both kids and adults. When closed, it resembles a giant cardboard book.

When opened up, it forms a minimal home that offers plenty of opportunity for creativity and modification. The house can be folded in many different ways, changed up and added to however the miniature residents see fit.

But the thing that really sets My Space apart from other playhouses is the fact that it can be folded back up into its book configuration and stashed behind a door or under a bed when playtime is over. Parents get their clean, uncluttered living space back and kids know that their adorable pretend house will be waiting for them the next time they’re ready to play.

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Self-Cleaning Fish Tank + Garden Turns Waste to Fertilizer

Posted: 05 Feb 2013 04:00 PM PST

Ever forget to clean out the tank? Or water the plants, for that matter? This design kills two birds (but no fish!) with one stone, and doubles as a fun instructional tool for kids learning about how natural systems work.

From the makers: “Grow fresh produce right in the comfort of your own home – beans, basil, thyme, baby greens, oregano, mint, parsley, spinach and so many other delicious foods! This closed-loop eco-system uses the fish waste to naturally fertilize the plants above. In turn, the plants clean the water for your pet fish.”

What started as a Kickstarter project (which got more than enough funding) is now in pre-order mode at Back to the Roots. No soil needed – the plants grow on rocks, and are fed nutrients recycled (pumped up) from the fish tank below. That water, in turn, is passed back down, fresh and ready for reuse – essentially an entirely self-contained system (and particularly great for those of us who hate certain regular chores!).