News

Danish company SAGA Space Architects has been designing habitats for some of the world’s most challenging environments: desert, underwater, and arctic conditions. Their latest design picks up where NELMA’s Sustainable Design Awards (NELMA’s iconic design competition from 2018 introduced design student to the concept of building with wood on the moon) left off  – SAGA […] The post Occupy the Moon – the race for a sustainable lunar habitat continues appeared first on NELMA.

ArchDaily just published a profile of John Pawson, a renowned British architect and designer. Pawson is known for pioneering minimalistic architecture.  His approach, which values simplicity, proportion, and material authenticity to create environments that promote tranquility and focus. His portfolio spans private homes, galleries, churches, and monasteries, each exemplifying his dedication to material purity and […] The post Minimalism, Authenticity and Natural Textures. Must be wood. appeared first on NELMA.

A recent article in Architectural Digest explores the appeal of burl  (also known as burr) wood, a unique material characterized by its swirling, intricate grain patterns. Often used in luxury furniture and décor, burl wood adds a touch of natural elegance and sophistication to interiors. The piece emphasizes why incorporating burl wood can elevate home […] The post Why You Should Be a Burl Girl appeared first on NELMA.

Metropolis Magazine just released a selection of books focused on timber architecture, showcasing the material’s versatility and growing relevance in sustainable design. These books explore various aspects of timber construction, from historical uses to innovative modern applications, emphasizing how timber is reshaping the architectural landscape. The featured works provide valuable insights for architects, designers, and […] The post Your Autumn Reading List appeared first on NELMA.

NELMA’s home state of Maine, might be getting a new flag showcasing the magnificent Eastern White Pine tree! The new design was the work of Adam Lemire of Gardiner. Although it closely resembles the flag bearing a pine tree and blue star already seen across the state, there are a few intentional details in Lemire’s […] The post 16 branches. 16 counties appeared first on NELMA.

More to come soon on this exciting news! “Our long wait is over. 18 months after the United Soccer League granted Portland, Maine its first fully professional soccer club, five years after Maine soccer legend Gabe Hoffman-Johnson started drumming up connections and support for a team, we finally, actually have a club of our own.”  […] The post Hearts of Pine: Portland’s First Pro Soccer Club appeared first on NELMA.

It has a name: Biophilia. It means “love of life or living things,” and it was coined by social psychologist Erich Fromm in 1964.  But designers and architects have intuitively known that connecting our loving spaces to other living spaces is a recipe for happy humans. Writer Katie Scott recently penned a nice overview of […] The post Unlocking Happiness with Nature and Building Science appeared first on NELMA.