Architecture firm DMVA have designed an interesting portable housing option. Their egg-shaped, futuristic abode features a multi-purpose main living space with modular wall slots for storage, working and sleeping. A skylight and large main hatch connect inhabitants with the outside world, and a small bathroom and kitchen are even fit into the space.
Stunning design and green architecture shouldn’t be reserved just for adults, as showcased by this gorgeous green treehouse built by the architects at Lord, Aeck & Sargent. Constructed as an extension to Camp Twin Lakes, a camp dedicated to kids with special needs, this treehouse is not only beautiful, fun and kid friendly, but green as well!
War and conflict often bring about the destruction of architecture, however these forces can also result in new constructions that define a cultural identity and place. Stressed by China’s growing population, the Hakka people have been confronted with armed warfare for local resources since the 17th century. To remedy their situation the Hakka began building massive structures that could not only stave off intruders, but would also form amazing self-sustaining micro-communities complete with food storage, space for livestock, living quarters, temples, armories and more.
The High Country Association of REALTORS released statistics today for residential homes sold through the end of November. Sales are off from October’s numbers, approaching June’s total residential units sold.
Sales continue to fall below last year’s figures. When comparing year-to-date numbers with the same time period in 2008, the number of residential units sold is down 11.1 percent, and the median sold price for residential property is down 11.3 percent. The total number of new residential listings is down 6.2 percent from 2008.
Mortgage rates are also dropping, which is good news for homebuyers. According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to 4.88 in November, down from 5.06 percent in September. The rate was 6.09 percent in November 2008.
In addition to lower mortgage rates, buyers now have more time to secure big tax savings. On Nov. 6, President Obama signed The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009, which includes an $8,000 tax credit for qualified first-time buyers and a $6,500 tax credit for qualified existing homeowners. This gives prospective buyers an additional six months to take advantage of the popular tax credits, which have helped boost sagging homes sales.
Most of the trees on Grandfather Mountain are painted with rime ice Friday, while those at the top half of the mountain have a heavy coating. The top half of the mountain is closed to the public as the Mile High Swinging Bridge is covered in inches of ice and continues to be enveloped by fog. Photo by Landis Wofford @ Watauga Democrat
The Nature Conservancy this week announced the acquisition of 466 acres at the summit of Little Yellow Mountain in Avery and Mitchell counties…
Here’s a great way to clean up your iphone/cellphone power adapters around your house. Take a look
Read more from engadget.com
http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/05/10-usb-power-outlet-leaves-no-plug-behind/
High Country residents are encouraged to clean out their medicine cabinets for ... Watauga Democrat Safe Kids Watauga County Coalition, Watauga Medics, Blowing Rock Fire Department, Boone Fire Department, Watauga Rescue, the Children's Council and local ... |
Registration is now open for the High Country Triple Crown running series Appalachian State University BOONE – The Institute for Health and Human Services (IHHS) at Appalachian State University announces the High Country Triple Crown, a series of three ... |
High Country Climber Killed in Fall Boone Mountain Times The body of a Boone rock climber was discovered on Thursday, March 4, near mile marker 242 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Alleghany County. ... |
Cold, snowy winter has been a blessing for ski resorts in Beech Mountain Hickory Daily Record Beech Mountain - Nobody's complaining about this winter's abundant snowfall in the ski-lodge villages of North Carolina's High Country. ... |
How Likely is it That the High Country Could See a 'Quake? Go Blue Ridge (blog) Another hot spot that is close to the High Country is South Carolina, near the Charleston area. That is another interesting high-risk earthquake area. ... |
Time capsule buried at courthouse Jefferson Post What will future generations of Ashe County citizens remember about the High Country in 100 years? ... |
Downtown Farmers Market set to open April 3 Cherokee Scout (subscription) At 11 am Saturday, March 27, the club will begin a three- to four-hour benefit ride through Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Anyone with a motorcycle ... |
Author Pegram to address High Country Writers Boone Mountain Times He and his wife, Patty, reside in Oak Ridge, NC and he is a grandfather. His wife will be joining him for the meeting on March 11. ... |
Boone resident snags Gov's Award Boone Mountain Times Boone resident and College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) senior associate director of technology Robin Greene was awarded the Governor's Award for ... |
Land coalition on track Winston-Salem Journal BOONE - A coalition of 10 North Carolina land trusts is on track to complete an effort to protect 50000 acres of mountain land by the end ... |
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