Philips has presented an innovative design project for homes of the closest future that combines not only a sophisticated look but a sustainable approach to such actual topics as energy, lighting, food preservation, cleaning, grooming, and waste management.
Photo: Microbial Home Probe, www.design.philips.com
The project called Microbial Home Probe consists of a range of ultra-stylish methane-powered objects and a waste separating toilet. All items serve as good example of a reasonable system where each function’s output is another’s input.
A bio-digestor island that converts waste into methane gas, methane-powered lighting, and bio-luminescent bacteria fed with methane to create bio-light are aimed to save energy. There is even an urban beehive designed so that an owner could have a glimpse into the world of bees and easily harvest honey they produce.
Another highlight of the Microbial Home is fresh food larder that uses an evaporative cooler and vegetable storage system built into a dining table. There is also a plastic waste up-cycler that to breaks down plastic packaging with help mycelium, while producing edible mushrooms.
“Designers have an obligation to understand the urgency of the situation, and translate humanity’s needs into solutions. Energy-saving light bulbs will only take us so far. We need to push ourselves to rethink domestic appliances entirely, to rethink how homes consume energy, and how entire communities can pool resources” says Clive van Heerden, Senior Director of Design-led Innovation at Philips Design.
The concept of the Probe was developed in accordance with an idea that people should move closer to nature and challenges the wisdom of annihilating the bacteria, instead proposing strategies for developing a balanced microbial ecosystem in the home, explains Philips, the company that ranks 9th position in the 2011 Newsweek Green Rankings.
Five models of the Microbial Home Probe domestic ecosystem project are on show to the public at the Piet Hein Eek gallery during Dutch Design Week till October 30.
Photo: Bio-digester island, www.design.philips.com
Photo: Larder, www.design.philips.com
Photos: Urban beehive, www.design.philips.com
