Fast forward to today, and the shine has worn off. What was once seen as a showcase of affluence is now often viewed as impractical, with homeowners and prospective buyers becoming aware of the downsides, which include sky-high utility bills due to inefficient heating and cooling, acoustic nightmares from echoing sounds, wasted unusable space that could otherwise be a functional living area, and maintenance headaches like changing lightbulbs in towering heights.
But the rounded roof isn't just a fanciful design gesture; it offers energy-saving benefits, explained Sarah Kardos, an associate broker at Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty who shares the $1.12 million listing with associate broker Alexander Rubin. The shape increases natural airflow and creates even temperatures with only one degree of difference between the floor and the ceiling (in traditional rooms, the ceiling can be up to ten degrees warmer). That makes the home unusually comfortable, says Kardos.
As autumn settles in and energy costs remain a worry for millions, many households are debating whether to keep their heating on low throughout the day or switch it on only when needed. Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis has issued a warning that could make a big difference to winter bills. He says that while leaving the heating on all day may feel convenient, it could end up costing more, and even create condensation problems in some homes.
A new type of window on the verge of mass production in the United States will provide a new vision for architects and builders seeking to marry design with energy efficiency. This window, made from millimeter-thin glass panels, can achieve exceptional energy efficiency scores and make a significant difference in global emissions. Buildings account for about 30% of global energy consumption, and about half of the energy use in residential and commercial buildings is used for heating and cooling.
Architectural professionals recognize how exterior design choices influence both perception and performance. A canopy is more than a functional overhang - it is a visual statement, a layer of environmental control, and a reflection of the project's overall design vision. Among available materials, custom aluminum canopies have become a preferred choice in modern architecture for their resilience, adaptability, and sleek aesthetics.
In the face of rising energy costs and increasing environmental awareness, UK businesses are seeking innovative solutions to enhance energy efficiency in their operations. Among the most effective strategies is the adoption of advanced ventilation systems, such as inline extractor fans, which not only improve indoor air quality but also contribute to significant energy savings. This article delves into the role of inline extractor fans in modern workplaces, highlighting their benefits, applications, and considerations for implementation.
Barcelona's iconic Magic Fountain of Montjuïc has burst back into life after lying dry for three years, delighting surprised visitors who happened to be passing on Tuesday, September 23. The city landmark, famous for its dazzling water and light displays, was quietly switched on for a one-hour test run ahead of its official reopening. For those who stumbled across it, the moment felt like a gift: some rushed to take photos, others cheered,
At its recent Summit 2025 event, Qualcomm took the stage to announce its next generation of laptop chipsets: the Snapdragon X2 Elite and Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme. I've been closely following Qualcomm's journey through the laptop industry since the company launched the first generation of Snapdragon hardware back in 2024. These chipsets perfectly balance performance with energy efficiency, allowing host computers to last all day long. Judging from preliminary information, the second generation is bringing improvements across board.
Home automation integrates various devices and systems that can be controlled remotely or automatically. This includes: All home automation products share common goals: to enhance comfort, security, and energy efficiency through the use of technology. With home automation and smart home gadgets, you can stay connected to your home no matter where you are. As CEO, Bill Darcy, said said, "People aren't looking for gimmicks. They want practical solutions that make everyday living easier, more efficient, and more connected."
Sony has announced that its new power-saving feature will launch tomorrow (Sept 17) as part of a bigger PS5 update, and has also revealed which games will support it. In case you don't remember, this new feature is designed to deliberately reduce your console's performance in games to help reduce its total power consumption. It has been in the beta tasting phase but is now being rolled out to everyone.
If you have spent any time on educational YouTube, you may have seen several educators fawn over this material. It has the appearance of 'frozen smoke,' is ultralight, and has excellent thermal insulation properties. Since the material is mostly air, it is highly effective at preventing heat transfer while weighing astonishingly little. Most of the applications you'll see discussed are in the aerospace industry, but it will make its way into the construction industry
In Jacques Tati's Mon Oncle (1958), architecture itself becomes a character: sliding doors, an automatic fountain, gates that emit mechanical sounds, devices that both enchant and frustrate the inhabitants. The comedy arises precisely from the fact that these seemingly trivial systems silently shape everyday life. More than six decades later, the observation seems prophetic. In contemporary buildings, countless systems work autonomously and discreetly, going unnoticed when they function well.
EDF has launched a new partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) aimed at helping more than 150,000 small firms reduce their energy costs, cut carbon and gain greater control over their consumption. Through the collaboration, FSB members will gain access to a dedicated online hub featuring free resources such as guides, blogs, videos, webinars and focus groups. The hub is designed to provide practical advice on how to manage energy more efficiently, while also giving members the chance to feed back directly on the kind of support they need in future.
The marketing material shows natural light flooding through floor-to-ceiling windows. But in real life, neighbors can easily see inside the apartment; the view outside includes a parking lot; and the oversized windows mean costlier energy bills. ViewScore.io , a new software tool created by researchers in the Environmental Systems Lab and Housing Innovation Lab in the College of Architecture, Art and Planning (AAP), can simulate and score such scenarios, helping building designers optimize window views along with energy efficiency. The technology could also be used to inform green building standards, and to help consumers decide which home to rent or hotel room to reserve.
One argument for unplugging is phantom or standby power. Not unlike why you should unplug your toaster, many devices sneak electricity even when they're off. Government energy experts note that this standby draw adds up across a home and suggest reducing it where practical by unplugging, using advanced power strips, or choosing efficient models. Microwaves are among the products that can draw power for displays and ready-to-start electronics.
San Jose residents served by PG&E see relief in their energy bills this month with a 2.1 percent decrease in residential electric rates effective September 1, 2025. For a typical household using 500 kilowatt hours monthly without discounts, this translates to about five dollars in savings each month. Gas rates also dipped by 0.4 percent, adding roughly 39 cents in monthly savings for average users at 31 therms.
Dealing with an air conditioning issue during a heatwave can be incredibly uncomfortable. Thankfully, with 24 hour aircon service, relief is just a call away. This service ensures that emergencies are handled swiftly, even in the dead of night, offering comfort and peace of mind round the clock. When an aircon unit fails, it not only impacts comfort but can also disrupt operations, especially in commercial environments. Facility managers know that downtime means financial losses and potentially disgruntled tenants or customers.
It's one fundamental problem with modern AC: It's least reliable when demand is highest. Surging power use from air conditioners also adds to emissions, and climate change leads to more heat waves that lead to more AC use, in an escalating feedback loop. Some startups are trying to shrink the power use and carbon footprint of modern air-conditioning. But others are using ancient cooling techniques as inspiration. In India, some architects are turning to a material that's been used for cooling for thousands of years: terra-cotta.
As is the case for many people, my home cannot be retrofitted with central air. My 100-plus-year-old Brooklyn apartment, which features prominently in my seven years of air quality reporting for WIRED, relies on window air conditioning units to keep cool on our warming planet. While there is the obvious paradox that air conditioners are players in climate change, AC units are evolving with more environmentally safe refrigerants, eco modes, smart apps, modern design, and energy-efficient consumption.
Zipping through the Australian outback this weekend is a red car looking more race boat than sedan and which travels at highway speeds using about the same amount of power it takes to boil a kettle. When and if this futuristic looking craft the UNLIMITED 6.0 crosses the finish line for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Adelaide, its team from Western Sydney University will probably celebrate with something a bit stiffer than a cup of tea.
The innovative wireless pool cleaners offer unprecedented time savings, consistently spotless results, and peace of mind knowing your pool is always ready for use.
