Mercedes reveals ‘Gran Turismo’ vision

The Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo, a virtual supercar concept, is set to make a real-world debut at the company’s new US R&D center in California.

It turns out that the concept car, which was created for “Gran Turismo 6,” the Playstation racing game, is more than simply a collection of pixels and computer code.

A real-life, scale 1:1 version of the 585hp, super-light-weight car, complete with heads-up display and gullwing doors, will be arriving in Sunnyvale, California to mark the official opening of Mercedes-Benz’s new Research and Development facility on November 19.

The car, which manages to pay homage to the marque’s supercars of decades past, such as the 300SL, while also being clearly a visitor from the automotive future, blends long, feminine flowing lines with aggressive animalistic front and rear haunches that cover the car’s oversized alloy wheels.

Under the hood is a front mid-mounted V8 biturbo engine courtesy of AMG and as the car is built using an aluminum space frame adorned with carbon fiber, it tips the scales at just 1385kg, meaning that it offers a power-to-weight ratio of 1hp to every 2.4kg.

To mark the game’s 15th anniversary, its developer, Polyphony Digital Inc., approached a number of car companies, including Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin and Volkswagen, as well as legendary automotive design studios Bertone, ItalDesign Giugiaro and Zagota and asked them to create exclusive virtual concept cars which will be released as gifted downloadable content to gamers as online updates.

And when the game goes on sale in December, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo will be the first concept that players will be able to download.

Daily Dream Home: Beam & Block House

The highly contemporary Beam & Block House was designed with a few ideas in mind. In the 140 square meter space, creative minds of Modelina Architekci imagined a minimalist home design with bright splashes of color. The  many storage spaces were the owner’s ideas implemented in an inspiring way by using geometric patterns and sliding doors. The space under the staircase was turned into storage and this was the dog’s chance to get its own dog house.

The large dining table was chosen for weekend meals, when the couple living here can enjoy meals with friends and family, while the rest of the week inhabitants eat frugally at the kitchen island. The center of the house with the kitchen and dining area is marked with a white frame which continues in the living room, visually uniting these social spaces. A discreet TV and fireplace lie next to the corner bookshelf, encouraging different kinds of relaxing home activities. Materials helped offer this dream home a Scandinavian vibe. Raw concrete and wood were matched with dark colors like black and grey and balanced by yellow accents for a fascinating modern result.

Expressive Corset Wall Tiles Design by Arbutus+Denman

Seeing so many splendid bathroom designs and spas, so many kitchens and hallways, one would wonder what is the one thing they can have in common. Wall tiles have extended their coverage to any space inside and outside our homes, so it’s only natural to explore this design trend. The fabulous Corset Wall Tiles by Canadian based design studio Arbutus+Denman feature hand laced cords within the design, creating a corset-like visual effect.

This unique design element allows each tile to appear three-dimensional, creating an eye-catching pattern on any wall. Choose the accent wall carefully, because these wall tiles will definitely become the focal point. Play with them and imagine new ways to decorate your home, especially since designers make sure we’re always presented with the best results.

Château de Versailles Is Lit up By A Chandelier Made Of Swarovski Crystals

The Palace of Versailles is Château de Versailles to the French. But to Swarovski and Bouroullec brothers, it is the palace that held celebrations to mark the royal château’s first contemporary chandelier. Swarovski held dinner at Château de Versailles to commemorate the unveiling of the chandelier designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec.

WWD reports that it is suspended in loops from the chateau’s ceiling and comprises three interlacing strands, each made of Swarovski crystals illuminated by LED lights. Desinged to illuminate the Gabriel staircase, the chandelier uses 800 crystal pieces.

The designer duo also treated the guests to the know-how about the chandelier’s ability to alter from powerful to dim illumination. The unveiling event was followed by a dinner and the majestic table was set to host the celebration of the new Gabriel chandelier.

Ronan Bouroullec stated, “This chandelier has been quite a challenge on several levels.” Nadja Swarovski tweeted for the same, “A shining example of creativity + technical innovation” and “The Bouroullec brothers have a passion for detail + the vision to deliver a contemporary response for Château de Versailles”

I am sure there will be many buyers if a replica, miniature version of this rope like dazzling chandelier will be made.

Image courtesy – WWD, Vogue, Swarovski

See inside Matt Damon’s $19 million Miami Beach home

Actor Matt Damon has placed his Miami Beach home on the market for $19 million (a drop of $1 million). The private home is situated on a rare double lot with 170-feet of water frontage. It boasts breathtaking, unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay and beyond. The home sits on more than 1/2 acre of land, sports 7-bedrooms, 10-baths and almost 13,000 square feet of living space. There is a rooftop terrace, a theater room, wine cellar, over sized living room overlooking the water, and a gourmet kitchen. There is also a 2-bedroom/2-bath guest house.

Sit back and enjoy the views.