A Supersized Solar-Powered Catamaran, The Turanor PlanetSolar.

<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=0d650ffe-1ec7-4395-883b-24e806d21a65&type=website"></script><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqGlW8FnhftNgkjvw5RpD7FKtxiUjbq1h6oO9nd-i5a9FMfoSKNJrpEtVuZ6XV4IPy8vODuxKRgfAL8bRgvtcNJU34j20u9YdclMpDS9bTQRGYuVvIQq7pPPPWCG25ngdt1fvTizn3ObV/s1600/planetsolar13.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642041269455042386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqGlW8FnhftNgkjvw5RpD7FKtxiUjbq1h6oO9nd-i5a9FMfoSKNJrpEtVuZ6XV4IPy8vODuxKRgfAL8bRgvtcNJU34j20u9YdclMpDS9bTQRGYuVvIQq7pPPPWCG25ngdt1fvTizn3ObV/s400/planetsolar13.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 530px; height: 374px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Kkbo6QcZAH_DyQVXfeL8XkpKPk3hc6P590g2z9XCsqNF2genm9W1f2ukE8zYE-bn_ePGBdEnqp-Ctk97JoYn8DI2mvaI-usW4HP_gspvklOUsLIqqyHS2qmqd2IqQCcJRhnEf4H5_wgZ/s1600/PlanetSolar_1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642043076358333490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Kkbo6QcZAH_DyQVXfeL8XkpKPk3hc6P590g2z9XCsqNF2genm9W1f2ukE8zYE-bn_ePGBdEnqp-Ctk97JoYn8DI2mvaI-usW4HP_gspvklOUsLIqqyHS2qmqd2IqQCcJRhnEf4H5_wgZ/s400/PlanetSolar_1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 178px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnyV944jA690RuBMXXj7pisLy08QnLgAO9dWgZpDeadDNJSWjt6iL7Xoang7hRQj7s0qWTAextQTkUsGTMaFGVTPkpOGZy2Nb1jTyWHkRC64HaHFQ6RCBlLI_Xz3ZPfkUImr-OeQClhPk/s1600/PlanetSolar_3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642042999803763266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnyV944jA690RuBMXXj7pisLy08QnLgAO9dWgZpDeadDNJSWjt6iL7Xoang7hRQj7s0qWTAextQTkUsGTMaFGVTPkpOGZy2Nb1jTyWHkRC64HaHFQ6RCBlLI_Xz3ZPfkUImr-OeQClhPk/s400/PlanetSolar_3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 178px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIt5tYB8-ot4AcisrLy62lqcCp1LAmCxQqHzflx-yQ9S7bwAfm8hPU-ihygj1oNuH6HYq-8itdX5DBo4WmwD8wjHOg8Yr7jo0LX0vqHr-azqWP_SYZe27Z076ZStGKncdOOpGvrdHgZxCX/s1600/planetsolar14.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642040988481490338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIt5tYB8-ot4AcisrLy62lqcCp1LAmCxQqHzflx-yQ9S7bwAfm8hPU-ihygj1oNuH6HYq-8itdX5DBo4WmwD8wjHOg8Yr7jo0LX0vqHr-azqWP_SYZe27Z076ZStGKncdOOpGvrdHgZxCX/s400/planetsolar14.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 530px; height: 396px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_hdSaHDV0qMaGJV_au14Rjhla6b3CKQscsuqPg0yjfgkdvj72cziU3b7X00cjnCtz1CjBxj90Rldbqz3LH_rsBZrlbalTh4BwYOS25dZglhrm2x3kYQJ3erzHLAVpJX7SaaOogVoOV9p/s1600/planetsolar7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642042096177808434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_hdSaHDV0qMaGJV_au14Rjhla6b3CKQscsuqPg0yjfgkdvj72cziU3b7X00cjnCtz1CjBxj90Rldbqz3LH_rsBZrlbalTh4BwYOS25dZglhrm2x3kYQJ3erzHLAVpJX7SaaOogVoOV9p/s400/planetsolar7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 529px; height: 368px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />M/S TÛRANOR PlanetSolar is a multihull vessel topped by a large array of photovoltaic solar panels, constructed by <a href="http://www.knierim-yachtbau.de/">Knierim Yacht Club</a>, in Kiel, Germany. Built in 14 months, the biggest ever solar boat has impressive dimensions but is both silent and clean.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXv_aEdHORqG92Q3EBhqXYSiSZZNs0gNXQHry4LW6LEQ9n9x9CdV9Q5heGzDsRmy75wOcnSojYVz2BB4e_E7EOqEiTiY8CY1m1Z9XWpHfepvijovkilVewo-NeCJtBNvnJG6BXaUToI1lu/s1600/planetsolar6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642042172972789250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXv_aEdHORqG92Q3EBhqXYSiSZZNs0gNXQHry4LW6LEQ9n9x9CdV9Q5heGzDsRmy75wOcnSojYVz2BB4e_E7EOqEiTiY8CY1m1Z9XWpHfepvijovkilVewo-NeCJtBNvnJG6BXaUToI1lu/s400/planetsolar6.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 531px; height: 362px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtwR4DNOGFm3uvgjgvZ9DCKmMkIhfnIuX6dllUNGx635ZsRkr6u0Uvb2ZmEixr2ULj7q-9TI6Pe0dl8lU5XCK4mxYOm02NLPNNU8lymWE3FvMbX39EOMZJVxiebqNYxMTK4poew8AnSx3/s1600/planetsolar3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642042617792398498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtwR4DNOGFm3uvgjgvZ9DCKmMkIhfnIuX6dllUNGx635ZsRkr6u0Uvb2ZmEixr2ULj7q-9TI6Pe0dl8lU5XCK4mxYOm02NLPNNU8lymWE3FvMbX39EOMZJVxiebqNYxMTK4poew8AnSx3/s400/planetsolar3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 530px; height: 621px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The multihull will be home to six sailors during the round-the-world attempt, and can accommodate up to forty people during the promotional trips planned at each port of call.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJp_FZDe3ph0eg0VxBxEmIRK5rZU_oi4k65V1qRNYQ32PJm3CSBa_NIzWYXrLDH74cGpjGHNxxKgZqMPWV7Blo03j25RRVsX6sk3k9kr2RzV-FYWcNmgeEQvJn0L5A370kz92zdFOV-2g7/s1600/planetsolar4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642042530407590914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJp_FZDe3ph0eg0VxBxEmIRK5rZU_oi4k65V1qRNYQ32PJm3CSBa_NIzWYXrLDH74cGpjGHNxxKgZqMPWV7Blo03j25RRVsX6sk3k9kr2RzV-FYWcNmgeEQvJn0L5A370kz92zdFOV-2g7/s400/planetsolar4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 527px; height: 391px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKxrFYEc44wsQujhLbEhpwb-0Gy2bm3rNtEjblhwiVh4P69Q1fn3wRArCTONpJUETz6YD7zkBPVhH1XeE4JPp3E7SZpoLCStfIlM7EgygAk7U-6b8e9Jq6lU2Y7cnlRCpPWg0WEgD53Nq/s1600/planetsolar5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642042426329604978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKxrFYEc44wsQujhLbEhpwb-0Gy2bm3rNtEjblhwiVh4P69Q1fn3wRArCTONpJUETz6YD7zkBPVhH1XeE4JPp3E7SZpoLCStfIlM7EgygAk7U-6b8e9Jq6lU2Y7cnlRCpPWg0WEgD53Nq/s400/planetsolar5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 528px; height: 326px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIWlZH7PGyuPfQWT-AlENzb6pYXDJQgGUN7UJhazjpFLT3J46yf0eKSZTdwbUsKD-xk-mL0C2mlaRnNGQsOchasaBLye1h7Z3Tr8zbRwJPtkPNFyrmRt5sNFnwMx9sZLg9xPKpTwc4Af0/s1600/planetsolar2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642042797479964898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIWlZH7PGyuPfQWT-AlENzb6pYXDJQgGUN7UJhazjpFLT3J46yf0eKSZTdwbUsKD-xk-mL0C2mlaRnNGQsOchasaBLye1h7Z3Tr8zbRwJPtkPNFyrmRt5sNFnwMx9sZLg9xPKpTwc4Af0/s400/planetsolar2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 531px; height: 391px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />On its round-the-globe expedition, the TÛRANOR* PlanetSolar will pioneer the use of sustainable energy technology on water. It is different from anything that has happened in the field of mobility to date. This solar catamaran uses the very latest cutting-edge technology available on the market. The intention is to demonstrate that high-performance solar mobility can be realized today by making innovative use of existing materials and technology.<br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe width="530" height="328" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CQ2_lVLbF34?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlWZ_i21IDv5xi1urgvlfDittXh1G3p_bD1lEQArD7qKY2_u2DCMMv7NSI3uAjSLK8Q5pTj-1kK1ma1UUY_bUT2uWJ2s-WGZqHlhpcsJxLUpDlCyL16aP5TljfreT0LxB87iFKx6IfRXq/s1600/planetsolar11.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642041577613630818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlWZ_i21IDv5xi1urgvlfDittXh1G3p_bD1lEQArD7qKY2_u2DCMMv7NSI3uAjSLK8Q5pTj-1kK1ma1UUY_bUT2uWJ2s-WGZqHlhpcsJxLUpDlCyL16aP5TljfreT0LxB87iFKx6IfRXq/s400/planetsolar11.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 529px; height: 366px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iMzoFIcelR6eHB0zsZ1qEq3lwsFmgNhLLDsfCXB8l2zdr7AnZgtrvtD_ujfjt6Hr8qDch_n6WnFsYy6EuAn2C56jeUIaQnXqTolsGvQ721ysekRALd7_QU7fSQSB25b5rQMFufIczEA1/s1600/planetsolar12.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642041349235423378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iMzoFIcelR6eHB0zsZ1qEq3lwsFmgNhLLDsfCXB8l2zdr7AnZgtrvtD_ujfjt6Hr8qDch_n6WnFsYy6EuAn2C56jeUIaQnXqTolsGvQ721ysekRALd7_QU7fSQSB25b5rQMFufIczEA1/s400/planetsolar12.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 529px; height: 375px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The ideal shape and size of the boat for the chosen route was determined by in-depth research. The <a href="http://www.planetsolar.org/">PlanetSolar </a>engineers have to factor in a host of parameters – propulsion, solar panel design, energy storage, materials and the external environment.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1BqiY22rdenmbU-CBRwvlG-QQGNuT_-lSk7BVYWtM1mxW1nYFSQ6Z9PKbmAOBbCo78HAi9inJ1GkInTJTrpYXWhBPwoo1aZRtXA1OAgss6Kvg5hzApHy5fsLFX7u576mbrjLTEAOGvio/s1600/planetsolar10.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642041842554881250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1BqiY22rdenmbU-CBRwvlG-QQGNuT_-lSk7BVYWtM1mxW1nYFSQ6Z9PKbmAOBbCo78HAi9inJ1GkInTJTrpYXWhBPwoo1aZRtXA1OAgss6Kvg5hzApHy5fsLFX7u576mbrjLTEAOGvio/s400/planetsolar10.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 535px; height: 378px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />A whole range of studies will need to be conducted in areas such as the boat’s hydro and aerodynamics, the materials used, the management and storage of energy and, finally, the power plant and optimal routing. It is a concentration of futuristic technology.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">* The name TÛRANOR is derived from the “Lord of the Rings” saga by J.R.R. Tolkien and translates as “the power of the sun” and "victory".</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Technology</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fR1Uf9yjukUP0JwgoRnVjV8iuJdOnOMwN6Oa3TOraUvFV0z66Nc_myceVw-_V3RMvdRMVZvOzFwaKh0TjzHVf2TnwKRmCt59_-3DZTZtHvrmgVPB_4qvUULIYETg7SII4qlide_Bi3ie/s1600/planetsolar8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642042012960422354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fR1Uf9yjukUP0JwgoRnVjV8iuJdOnOMwN6Oa3TOraUvFV0z66Nc_myceVw-_V3RMvdRMVZvOzFwaKh0TjzHVf2TnwKRmCt59_-3DZTZtHvrmgVPB_4qvUULIYETg7SII4qlide_Bi3ie/s400/planetsolar8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 531px; height: 354px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhN-oWdXJXJfuZZdRaADHsFGeKvUIop5il-JCHe0O_oqWh_nU0a7RvHbp_WVecNyw7wZQhYtyE1ZOd4kVIlhAWgkWB-8gA0u1zPapEefdBtaQsvg_FHqWJGm-FdFwZ22DhadKvKz-YLpL/s1600/planetsolar9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642041918801040626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhN-oWdXJXJfuZZdRaADHsFGeKvUIop5il-JCHe0O_oqWh_nU0a7RvHbp_WVecNyw7wZQhYtyE1ZOd4kVIlhAWgkWB-8gA0u1zPapEefdBtaQsvg_FHqWJGm-FdFwZ22DhadKvKz-YLpL/s400/planetsolar9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 532px; height: 524px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />PlanetSolar is a catamaran that runs solely on the energy found in light. Additional removable parts allow it to expose a total of 537 m2 of photovoltaic modules (solar panels) to the sun. This impressive data makes it the biggest solar-powered ship in the world.<br /><br /><br /><br />Legnth: 31 m<br /><br />Width: 15 m<br /><br />Length with flaps: 35 m<br /><br />Width with flaps: 23 m<br /><br />Height: 6.1 m<br /><br />Draft: 1.55 m<br /><br />Weight: 95 t<br /><br />Surface area of solar modules: 537 m2<br /><br />PV panel efficiency: 18.8%<br /><br />Installed PV power: 93.5 kW (127.0 hp)<br /><br />Average engine consumption: 20 kW (26.8 hp)<br /><br />Crew: 6 people<br /><br />Number of people that can go on board: 40<br /><br />Autonomy: never-ending solar navigation<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEzf6RnnK9WKpWtjucJLQ8AI-ouRtQV_ms59DL8s9u-Go0e-St4gb2SQvCa06pCAuwAinvzIyC-A-89waaFSSw7c9MgY_U_zUxcgUok1mYgtt7J-UdrqBHNPLUBNjl-j5jySbDd8vOePt/s1600/boat-4-500px_02.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642043219474577074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEzf6RnnK9WKpWtjucJLQ8AI-ouRtQV_ms59DL8s9u-Go0e-St4gb2SQvCa06pCAuwAinvzIyC-A-89waaFSSw7c9MgY_U_zUxcgUok1mYgtt7J-UdrqBHNPLUBNjl-j5jySbDd8vOePt/s400/boat-4-500px_02.png" style="cursor: pointer; width: 526px; height: 278px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Information and images courtesy of <a href="http://www.planetsolar.org/">PlanetSolar</a></span>

A Supersized Solar-Powered Catamaran, The Turanor PlanetSolar.

M/S TÛRANOR PlanetSolar is a multihull vessel topped by a large array of photovoltaic solar panels, constructed by Knierim Yacht Club , in K...

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The First 100% FSC-Certified Wood Bicycle in the U.S. From Renovo & Collins

<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=0d650ffe-1ec7-4395-883b-24e806d21a65&type=website"></script><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwE7NvvvFWVRDKvdSjLvz7TR7dS6cnnTzWGBaPuOswj8SOAADc7c16fHWfFkFdgHyac-FJwUhAHtUZW1-k0cxhf2aBmDsWWyBLSr-Eml_eo0JOw8t8kIl7JtBleo0vXDPc7AUadwLq6HK/s1600/R4+frame+cu.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542813959785900354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwE7NvvvFWVRDKvdSjLvz7TR7dS6cnnTzWGBaPuOswj8SOAADc7c16fHWfFkFdgHyac-FJwUhAHtUZW1-k0cxhf2aBmDsWWyBLSr-Eml_eo0JOw8t8kIl7JtBleo0vXDPc7AUadwLq6HK/s400/R4+frame+cu.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 521px; height: 440px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEYmyPBN-wl-fFrLcBCizkW3S88eiHwUr4FM5Vthk-cqyTqmZDrZtisYyuGrnDeW8A9iMdL9pCYkABHILv8S0B1rR-2MxCHGh1soRZ2bkxJfh_RAk59FQzi6zHot0t5W0SxZImgAXi1v4/s1600/renovo-Collins-herp.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542809738482550658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEYmyPBN-wl-fFrLcBCizkW3S88eiHwUr4FM5Vthk-cqyTqmZDrZtisYyuGrnDeW8A9iMdL9pCYkABHILv8S0B1rR-2MxCHGh1soRZ2bkxJfh_RAk59FQzi6zHot0t5W0SxZImgAXi1v4/s400/renovo-Collins-herp.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 524px; height: 327px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">above: the Renovo R4 Pursuit model made with FSC-certified CollinsWood.</span></span><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.collinsco.com/">Collins Companies</a> has just announced that it has commissioned the first 100% FSC-certified bicycle in the nation. In case you were wondering, FSC stands for <a href="http://www.fscus.org/">Forest Stewardship Council</a>.<br /><br />The bike, manufactured by <a href="http://www.renovobikes.com/">Renovo Hardwood Bicycles</a>, is an “R4 Pursuit” model that features a stiff, powerful and lightweight frame. All of Renovo’s bikes are custom-made – adjusting the stiffness and ride quality to the customer’s individual riding style and weight.<br /><br />Renovo is one of the few companies in the world that manufactures wood bicycles (but not the only one, be sure to see <a href="http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2009/09/woody-bicycles-hand-crafted-hardwood_18.html">Woody Bicycles</a> ) and the only one making them with hollow frames.<br /><br />Here's a few of Renovo's beautiful wood bikes and frames made with Black Cherry, Hard Maple, Birch, Hickory, Padauk, Sapele, Laminated Bamboo and exotic woods like Purple Heart, Bubinga and Wenge:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0P3NyfEUcrxgeM5Rc01hUGBjwJ0G1Irp_8P8Vc5iy-fpBrEBwo08MPPWQuZQxkMg8ENZb1amjtcq3Nj9FewbYx1cuVjay4Jtjjo-N2rGdY24Y_cAbSFBcZYKvpUhMWckZB6XuEw1FLtNf/s1600/R4-side-0710.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542813625683920722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0P3NyfEUcrxgeM5Rc01hUGBjwJ0G1Irp_8P8Vc5iy-fpBrEBwo08MPPWQuZQxkMg8ENZb1amjtcq3Nj9FewbYx1cuVjay4Jtjjo-N2rGdY24Y_cAbSFBcZYKvpUhMWckZB6XuEw1FLtNf/s400/R4-side-0710.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 522px; height: 322px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfXcFsVr9Bjlxgw1bKqlIhT5tmsNTCWbQgdPZ7QvpRQZQ-IWiaHeNl27a4I-bthdp47v_JivA7B5KzokGWZcjNhm_zA2q7HUiTZZchyphenhyphendRQzj8lnothg2x_Qu4jWZZDXqPeFqnVaUSObUd/s1600/M1-rear-qtr-1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542810987164861650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfXcFsVr9Bjlxgw1bKqlIhT5tmsNTCWbQgdPZ7QvpRQZQ-IWiaHeNl27a4I-bthdp47v_JivA7B5KzokGWZcjNhm_zA2q7HUiTZZchyphenhyphendRQzj8lnothg2x_Qu4jWZZDXqPeFqnVaUSObUd/s400/M1-rear-qtr-1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 520px; height: 396px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13-kH7STPHQVcZ-6ZMn9RI3rac72iapLa_fB1VeX3C7-6wSH9NUVLA5uUBIms-86zuIdLWbu3s7Re7gf4sk3X2c1zpSgYbPEiYX44ib0mlep7sRYycjoa1sRf6dhzmhSM9F1reGfcxDk3/s1600/r4-frame-ht-walced.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542812369868653474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13-kH7STPHQVcZ-6ZMn9RI3rac72iapLa_fB1VeX3C7-6wSH9NUVLA5uUBIms-86zuIdLWbu3s7Re7gf4sk3X2c1zpSgYbPEiYX44ib0mlep7sRYycjoa1sRf6dhzmhSM9F1reGfcxDk3/s400/r4-frame-ht-walced.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 374px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYl9O_HDDAgX3OpYaWWFaKHnhrJJ5wLZ4OEle8c2mzRatVpWeudyD4-T147_Mqp9J6UEAq2ZSv4exagmYeTdQf1NPXske1cGHIP4lbwdrsUT9_p5NknyFb1l71ltS-1DtyCVMKqzdeGE-4/s1600/renovo+6511-1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542812254979294722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYl9O_HDDAgX3OpYaWWFaKHnhrJJ5wLZ4OEle8c2mzRatVpWeudyD4-T147_Mqp9J6UEAq2ZSv4exagmYeTdQf1NPXske1cGHIP4lbwdrsUT9_p5NknyFb1l71ltS-1DtyCVMKqzdeGE-4/s400/renovo+6511-1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 373px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4APyXfO0tdcUNWu6Nd7Q_4DUlSCjZvtw4F92JSfUclsIdKVMFZnt3nqNfLtM_nwH41EHrGJ4-zVke1qy0yxC-uH68isSXcur-XbgtVkOKqywRyOgwabBzS8QeMbENPG4rWfbcpcVUsAoM/s1600/Renovo-R1-bboo-5-21-2010-9-24-14-PM-3338x2111.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542810762848052946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4APyXfO0tdcUNWu6Nd7Q_4DUlSCjZvtw4F92JSfUclsIdKVMFZnt3nqNfLtM_nwH41EHrGJ4-zVke1qy0yxC-uH68isSXcur-XbgtVkOKqywRyOgwabBzS8QeMbENPG4rWfbcpcVUsAoM/s400/Renovo-R1-bboo-5-21-2010-9-24-14-PM-3338x2111.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 524px; height: 331px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfI5bbYFDodwo9Ha4wVqnK2MIigbO4QFJBBF7mFyPfope_BxZWIDoprbDS1l6LFK1vgBKNIcVNoKbuNfHTTWzycfUcl9wjY7wAO2dxiUQ_fvIMEt_7n9qI675K3MF1QM9f7qvcwz-6FQV/s1600/triside.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542810676788451538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfI5bbYFDodwo9Ha4wVqnK2MIigbO4QFJBBF7mFyPfope_BxZWIDoprbDS1l6LFK1vgBKNIcVNoKbuNfHTTWzycfUcl9wjY7wAO2dxiUQ_fvIMEt_7n9qI675K3MF1QM9f7qvcwz-6FQV/s400/triside.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 520px; height: 330px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJg4GtWO-O8bSHFbXkKH1ZmJGby0v96DixKFn6dB3Ozqn19ySrqvcjPlwUNsXc1DV5ELAB80Svoal9vY3tGmYosTj38MgCUvvrdJPHATWbYcyH-4mP4z2pdvvALAkUFZ8RAtXWX7UnowJH/s1600/renovo+6869-1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542812159336497186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJg4GtWO-O8bSHFbXkKH1ZmJGby0v96DixKFn6dB3Ozqn19ySrqvcjPlwUNsXc1DV5ELAB80Svoal9vY3tGmYosTj38MgCUvvrdJPHATWbYcyH-4mP4z2pdvvALAkUFZ8RAtXWX7UnowJH/s400/renovo+6869-1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 396px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzXoLLo0JDYYUyXebyHASTdU77a7QJx29-FEGZ_H16VJFBZMt8OhvsZIdfXvHM33ZqH57s5qThcV3Vq01p7ybU38NOckd_VbU7-NowJI6YwTXgnudwchsB6QVZmsNL5-vl6C5cDRfva6t/s1600/renovo+6539-1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542812083432263074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzXoLLo0JDYYUyXebyHASTdU77a7QJx29-FEGZ_H16VJFBZMt8OhvsZIdfXvHM33ZqH57s5qThcV3Vq01p7ybU38NOckd_VbU7-NowJI6YwTXgnudwchsB6QVZmsNL5-vl6C5cDRfva6t/s400/renovo+6539-1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 396px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3T_ks7lnudw2kHhh48puwi4_6vK0KogayOFUdJkxZ4Bl9bdMqkOzyFPi0mXeC-TNLDzeMNWwVDjVlrSmVhcFCJ8l64K_c83bdkMVhxunspuis3C7GJgdsF04-tDCTkEdh62N8GYI6yXH/s1600/Durban-9872-1369x830.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542811065677586898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3T_ks7lnudw2kHhh48puwi4_6vK0KogayOFUdJkxZ4Bl9bdMqkOzyFPi0mXeC-TNLDzeMNWwVDjVlrSmVhcFCJ8l64K_c83bdkMVhxunspuis3C7GJgdsF04-tDCTkEdh62N8GYI6yXH/s400/Durban-9872-1369x830.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 522px; height: 317px;" /></a><br /><br />“I am proud to have used 100% FSC-certified wood on this particular bike,” stated Ken Wheeler, owner, Renovo Hardwood Bicycles. “We utilized a species combination of CollinsWood® from the Collins Pennsylvania Forest including; Black Cherry, Hard Maple, and Birch.”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBKpqrF_oRaEifTR3oRrqC4OJRaxBxlbZScT05Wkt8YSeVtwFq9vioko9DQUTTN00ddJsnsl4-AlU4dPL7C3tkio1ij_jmiCtZW3L8_OYVJlNhZuKL4QUm7JtZknc9Ts8fJfRpy_odj8F/s1600/img_0046.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542813137206501826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBKpqrF_oRaEifTR3oRrqC4OJRaxBxlbZScT05Wkt8YSeVtwFq9vioko9DQUTTN00ddJsnsl4-AlU4dPL7C3tkio1ij_jmiCtZW3L8_OYVJlNhZuKL4QUm7JtZknc9Ts8fJfRpy_odj8F/s400/img_0046.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 523px; height: 383px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZP0a98LYMpJSEEZpkPHnZeVEqFTuA7LUx3HybN7_pq8tbbFci2kJ9QDAM8i2GlehHzPOv5qJn8a99o0IO7POwi_9hIlO1LRgFDPy6cuOVv9WdKHgDwZDZOiwBI5wajRREtUJThHW6Rzyp/s1600/img_0042.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542812940622603026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZP0a98LYMpJSEEZpkPHnZeVEqFTuA7LUx3HybN7_pq8tbbFci2kJ9QDAM8i2GlehHzPOv5qJn8a99o0IO7POwi_9hIlO1LRgFDPy6cuOVv9WdKHgDwZDZOiwBI5wajRREtUJThHW6Rzyp/s400/img_0042.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 526px; height: 374px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUc8dc0YGqghPHfVjJVhkxuUp3iZ3UxFtt0Yxt98Mdmre9XAi1ofkdf5Fu68eDUTshwkTHYYGzPfzKPMAdrRqglgA5pBuYxjX_mPnuhW2StP7Qy4OFWdrSybkbC8VgEC4xo0dGb8Tbd-Q/s1600/img_0031.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542812837716392386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUc8dc0YGqghPHfVjJVhkxuUp3iZ3UxFtt0Yxt98Mdmre9XAi1ofkdf5Fu68eDUTshwkTHYYGzPfzKPMAdrRqglgA5pBuYxjX_mPnuhW2StP7Qy4OFWdrSybkbC8VgEC4xo0dGb8Tbd-Q/s400/img_0031.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 525px; height: 338px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawHzD5KEbo3KyAVnVs9ymcwwk662fL6by1PiBWbF7zS1dsLb-Jf19TEYERnF_9J4rR7WMpHuMD0_xAs0hv1_DtVRMMXoiXlbXV3JR_k5RWDzP_rwnSudr5eX7dKFoyM8_ClgFqxs4cvDp/s1600/meades+r4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542812744070439826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawHzD5KEbo3KyAVnVs9ymcwwk662fL6by1PiBWbF7zS1dsLb-Jf19TEYERnF_9J4rR7WMpHuMD0_xAs0hv1_DtVRMMXoiXlbXV3JR_k5RWDzP_rwnSudr5eX7dKFoyM8_ClgFqxs4cvDp/s400/meades+r4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 526px; height: 349px;" /></a><br /><br />Collins had this bike commissioned for one of their employees, to demonstrate their continued commitment to this mission. “Although wood bicycles are still in their infancy, we are constantly exploring new ways to have CollinsWood incorporated into everyday products and we want our customers to explore new uses,” said Cameron Waner, marketing coordinator for The Collins Companies. Waner continues, “Specifying FSC-certified wood in their projects is one of the most powerful things our customers can do to change the way wood products are harvested and sold around the world.”<br /><br />The bike made its worldwide debut at the Greenbuild International Conference in Chicago, on November 17-19, 2010.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.renovobikes.com/">Renovo Bikes</a>

The First 100% FSC-Certified Wood Bicycle in the U.S. From Renovo & Collins

above: the Renovo R4 Pursuit model made with FSC-certified CollinsWood. The Collins Companies has just announced that it has commissioned t...

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An Amphibious Floating Garden That Purifies The Water, The Physalia.

<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=0d650ffe-1ec7-4395-883b-24e806d21a65&type=website"></script><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpRX65lXM-0939OnA3q_zlI203EFb1NkTs7oAolbB7BRt5WK8W9RoQF-lQ2dKRnRIgDN2ehKwZ4CPKM4EIff8ZOtWxagPCJgKa9_5HkQolIgUFkL_RuYIkJvlmOE4eaPpMeaqHE4BYfI/s1600/physaliaHERO.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500973541821517154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpRX65lXM-0939OnA3q_zlI203EFb1NkTs7oAolbB7BRt5WK8W9RoQF-lQ2dKRnRIgDN2ehKwZ4CPKM4EIff8ZOtWxagPCJgKa9_5HkQolIgUFkL_RuYIkJvlmOE4eaPpMeaqHE4BYfI/s400/physaliaHERO.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 524px; height: 372px;" /></a><br /><br />The Gulf could use of couple of these right now. A futuristic vessel designed to clean European waterways, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Physalia”</span> project is an architectural prototype that aims at meeting the mutual needs of the sustainable management of water as a resource by architect Vincent Callebaut.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhGKuowSghmptDY6yzBKPuZV1NwhiU2xFiKCs7kEP-xEx882tWSwPWoTuPj5PsPyFJ6Z3VPvYwfu4yzNexZrqnuhu24wlY13myIOLIL6aUEZBrwKTsBuTqOsEMbaWMRyiFcP2g6xBxis/s1600/east-elevation-of-physalia.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500973678324726242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhGKuowSghmptDY6yzBKPuZV1NwhiU2xFiKCs7kEP-xEx882tWSwPWoTuPj5PsPyFJ6Z3VPvYwfu4yzNexZrqnuhu24wlY13myIOLIL6aUEZBrwKTsBuTqOsEMbaWMRyiFcP2g6xBxis/s400/east-elevation-of-physalia.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 526px; height: 315px;" /></a><br /><br />A half aquatic and half earthly amphibious vessel, it's a nomadic hydrodynamic laboratory dedicated to implement an international network of scientific partnerships. A floating purification system that is completely self-sufficient.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYbqt6aGDGduG-Om6tMS1y32yI4cZaV4lULjX78wDVwzY2DkJYp55sYQwNKgBKfjg8Ow2MWdoXtdS-uCGme_Vyg_lxnn5bki8oWD7KA8YzE_EztRPJR4h0zE7kDvyghoHTgFgxm2jA4I/s1600/blueprints.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500975894522633346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYbqt6aGDGduG-Om6tMS1y32yI4cZaV4lULjX78wDVwzY2DkJYp55sYQwNKgBKfjg8Ow2MWdoXtdS-uCGme_Vyg_lxnn5bki8oWD7KA8YzE_EztRPJR4h0zE7kDvyghoHTgFgxm2jA4I/s400/blueprints.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 526px; height: 316px;" /></a><br /><br />The vessel is designed to handle all types of water recycling (rainwater, international and domestic), purify water from agricultural pollutants, desalinate sea water, and cleanse induced waste such as sludge and ashes.<br /><br />As transportation, it promotes commercial and fluvial transport, linking the Rhine and the Danube and the Seine-Escaut waterway. It can be used as agricultural irrigation, to cool industrial power stations and to promote hydro-electricity production.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FlAxGS_JM75IAPp8nLB5OGalninKMGz-dikxXveiWJQNgTW_1PrVwiUJG5r6vARTtx2HG6OeFo8Fuil4LV84P1GytXGa8zCK_OJK619vkMx1FmOuO-WxxvfsR3yEO_pVt3Vlokn-G0k/s1600/on-the-seine.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500978459843005762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FlAxGS_JM75IAPp8nLB5OGalninKMGz-dikxXveiWJQNgTW_1PrVwiUJG5r6vARTtx2HG6OeFo8Fuil4LV84P1GytXGa8zCK_OJK619vkMx1FmOuO-WxxvfsR3yEO_pVt3Vlokn-G0k/s400/on-the-seine.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 523px; height: 312px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivddzwaleHGZ4pcTwybzA8VuY39s-JJl7B-ZC9xLup0Ew1jkdQOuqiu53Ve6ifXoPIEXxY2y-FVj1djVInkk33eji3K9Yds4LDLwm3Cw8FJQRjUvehCn46YYTL-DzbwRRn2A2ly8Taixw/s1600/on-the-seine--rear.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500977795840150370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivddzwaleHGZ4pcTwybzA8VuY39s-JJl7B-ZC9xLup0Ew1jkdQOuqiu53Ve6ifXoPIEXxY2y-FVj1djVInkk33eji3K9Yds4LDLwm3Cw8FJQRjUvehCn46YYTL-DzbwRRn2A2ly8Taixw/s400/on-the-seine--rear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 522px; height: 313px;" /></a><br /><br />“Physalia” is innovative scientific equipment dedicated to investigate solutions as much as it is an innovation unto itself. A “clean” vessel, for a new generation, it produces no sulfur or carbon emmissions.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAN04xIqqVf6gaUtMpCrGqjJ8U82qOeOgR2O_tVXq2EnEBtr4GbnzRhholuHfaAF-6q7jxZ4t6lpnh7b8h0PPoNSoFXqTT-aglckUhfkMIb8e9OmqwFjFbDGuxds6juRCBt83tN1gUvY/s1600/physalia-at-night.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500973925079833826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAN04xIqqVf6gaUtMpCrGqjJ8U82qOeOgR2O_tVXq2EnEBtr4GbnzRhholuHfaAF-6q7jxZ4t6lpnh7b8h0PPoNSoFXqTT-aglckUhfkMIb8e9OmqwFjFbDGuxds6juRCBt83tN1gUvY/s400/physalia-at-night.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 528px; height: 318px;" /></a><br /><br />Physalia is 100% self sufficient in terms of energy. Its bionic structure is inspired from the pneumatophorous called “Physalia physalis” stemming from the Greek term "physalis" which means “water bubble”.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9YSAlxp5EOiMCfA-iV40oBnZCBJwIEpTXBfs8ifmQdplWkG3JOmMJ9DOR2-6n2_PhuxiNnDP_FhS2gI1oQrGTxUF4sN99VPAnfCNfQM9evboymMmyK0coT6Ynx2qWHoIPsiHUG8OdlI/s1600/east-elevation-with-birds.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500979565752904066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9YSAlxp5EOiMCfA-iV40oBnZCBJwIEpTXBfs8ifmQdplWkG3JOmMJ9DOR2-6n2_PhuxiNnDP_FhS2gI1oQrGTxUF4sN99VPAnfCNfQM9evboymMmyK0coT6Ynx2qWHoIPsiHUG8OdlI/s400/east-elevation-with-birds.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 528px; height: 316px;" /></a><br /><br />This aquatic pneumatophorous has perfect symmetry, an oblong shape and is partially translucent. It is the summation of natural and biotechnological ways to navigate on the European rivers - between the Danube and the Volga, the Rhine and the Guadalquivir, the Euphrates and the Tiger.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h8VjWYuv3XkLIgCeEqAnGdYLWHyGLGIVVIFYqCq9C7MH0-BYKDT198FJAcPT0R2Bl-oH1q_fYg_tXhWj0A-GMyYwtvr-Z3yrz1dgfw1bjv6NzHDZZuJFohzbXPepO7HSM6qWSEfDOXw/s1600/100%25-self-sufficient-pos-energy-boat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500975353039594210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h8VjWYuv3XkLIgCeEqAnGdYLWHyGLGIVVIFYqCq9C7MH0-BYKDT198FJAcPT0R2Bl-oH1q_fYg_tXhWj0A-GMyYwtvr-Z3yrz1dgfw1bjv6NzHDZZuJFohzbXPepO7HSM6qWSEfDOXw/s400/100%25-self-sufficient-pos-energy-boat.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 525px; height: 318px;" /></a><br /><br />Its architecture is designed to utilize renewable energies and produces more energy than it consumes. Its roof contains a double pneumatic membrane with photovoltaic solar cells and under its hull, the hydro-turbines transform the energy of the fluvial stream into hydro-electricity, enabling it to navigate the waters.<br /><br />The green roof with its pneumatic membrane and photovoltaic solar cells:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qSBLpuwso45oLviTDqmfX7_nFo_NU6foy7OTTW9rQfPnqhGMJ-oryI-YU8E_WBdsZvrQpnwXA3c5aJopmd72c2NngTNBNxUqvJxlJKaoxfyuLhBywDGsqzw12ZQ1GVt0nUAelkpbwE0/s1600/green-roof1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500977088341908098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qSBLpuwso45oLviTDqmfX7_nFo_NU6foy7OTTW9rQfPnqhGMJ-oryI-YU8E_WBdsZvrQpnwXA3c5aJopmd72c2NngTNBNxUqvJxlJKaoxfyuLhBywDGsqzw12ZQ1GVt0nUAelkpbwE0/s400/green-roof1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 521px; height: 312px;" /></a><br />At night:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPL2H9o7PxZcoQZa7cq7Q1itseK1OwZnIk7K4wHqfk8xz3WVopCn4RUmQQ3c7l0n2s0dpjFgvK_WkQZqVIiZDePaBpe-uLtqygKZ8QA5dw6Kc1CwKmodQdJJPLPVUq0pfkDf-MrLVT94/s1600/bioluminescense.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500977404949517458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPL2H9o7PxZcoQZa7cq7Q1itseK1OwZnIk7K4wHqfk8xz3WVopCn4RUmQQ3c7l0n2s0dpjFgvK_WkQZqVIiZDePaBpe-uLtqygKZ8QA5dw6Kc1CwKmodQdJJPLPVUq0pfkDf-MrLVT94/s400/bioluminescense.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 524px; height: 317px;" /></a><br /><br />Aluminum covers the multi-hull steel structure. This silver-plated dress is covered by a Titanium Dioxide layer that reacts to the ultraviolet rays, enabling the vessel to reduce water pollution.<br /><br />Hull construction and a view of the air garden:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoeKfpQOloZ6kkMBZkisahLpfP7cJeTZgDyR06N75-6OJr-GfRRVp7oxmo-z-uNwSnz_A3FHanlSe5fdXRZllE5-w3VK1vAf_Qq6Y8iXkVAgj487Ax7YQDxZyvuBWszALLboD1eXnB3s/s1600/steel-hull-and-air-garden.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500974921470187378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoeKfpQOloZ6kkMBZkisahLpfP7cJeTZgDyR06N75-6OJr-GfRRVp7oxmo-z-uNwSnz_A3FHanlSe5fdXRZllE5-w3VK1vAf_Qq6Y8iXkVAgj487Ax7YQDxZyvuBWszALLboD1eXnB3s/s400/steel-hull-and-air-garden.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 521px; height: 313px;" /></a><br /><br />In addition to being a self cleaning vessel, it can absorb and recycle by way of a photo-catalytic effect, the chemical and carbon waste in the water rejected by the traditional boats and by industrialists.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibL8u7-l49n5FHAJsQ_Sm0BGQ95TwD7Wx1Lv1muBo9EgVTRTlUDjNHdFiQ0kYC-tl5SW6-ygqJZn5hfOS4Qva7IsWkxqRsjJzzdapT4QVY2nnj1Kf5VvB1ZAGH6PAGtp6JUcjTXfCQZt4/s1600/cross-sections.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500976074463962930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibL8u7-l49n5FHAJsQ_Sm0BGQ95TwD7Wx1Lv1muBo9EgVTRTlUDjNHdFiQ0kYC-tl5SW6-ygqJZn5hfOS4Qva7IsWkxqRsjJzzdapT4QVY2nnj1Kf5VvB1ZAGH6PAGtp6JUcjTXfCQZt4/s400/cross-sections.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 521px; height: 312px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2Ltiadf2ZgJrMrOmLUW-YTQShfMgYW1TtX9_Vv6SLeTQ4I6RyYaBVKQXJhBgBuis4vyXEvYaLLWNxLTEUc55IMC66rmBDAoyicaJ-OvkHDYHBwu76N2z-tSIx2VSeWVqytmnGUbain0/s1600/longitudinal-section-AA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500976859972255842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2Ltiadf2ZgJrMrOmLUW-YTQShfMgYW1TtX9_Vv6SLeTQ4I6RyYaBVKQXJhBgBuis4vyXEvYaLLWNxLTEUc55IMC66rmBDAoyicaJ-OvkHDYHBwu76N2z-tSIx2VSeWVqytmnGUbain0/s400/longitudinal-section-AA.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 523px; height: 322px;" /></a><br /><br />The interior of the Physalia illustrates the future of water travel by dividing it into four thematic gardens.<br /><br />An interior look at the water and air gardens:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJ_6Qa5RJVnEfA-CzOlKVki-5_F-WYp3URUChWZYwFREk-Z5HHs9UdBoia2neXfeoPp7Z7pMtT_7eIYv2zCndyQPSDCS06Xn1JKfUZRBZiokfczHBvJYkyOQypB5BreiJgiBotJFqvBY/s1600/interior-water-and-earth-gardens.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500974334114246130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJ_6Qa5RJVnEfA-CzOlKVki-5_F-WYp3URUChWZYwFREk-Z5HHs9UdBoia2neXfeoPp7Z7pMtT_7eIYv2zCndyQPSDCS06Xn1JKfUZRBZiokfczHBvJYkyOQypB5BreiJgiBotJFqvBY/s400/interior-water-and-earth-gardens.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 522px; height: 314px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The “Water” garden:</span> This marks the main entrance of Physalia between the berthing gates and the square. A great glass platform is suspended atop the water's surface reflecting on the interior vault. This reception space is dedicated to temporary exhibitions and the façades of the true aquatic balcony can also open to the landscape to be caressed by the outside breezes.<br /><br />The water garden cross section and interior:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0GCpjo7ZCVnEtHb2-w139ja9vLx8d0o6MsiMhtpkBZrLOrK3NxycRLm2OnjEjiFKWARoM_2GhjWYepkFDVj32rdzFidQTpUiLD2JpQq0vQZ5Q4vhNopZzcJR0rlq3hymK_2fEQETC1k/s1600/water-garden-from-above.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500974201138070290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0GCpjo7ZCVnEtHb2-w139ja9vLx8d0o6MsiMhtpkBZrLOrK3NxycRLm2OnjEjiFKWARoM_2GhjWYepkFDVj32rdzFidQTpUiLD2JpQq0vQZ5Q4vhNopZzcJR0rlq3hymK_2fEQETC1k/s400/water-garden-from-above.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 522px; height: 318px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-Sy5IILlJEgbSgbtaQbdZV44LBnvHYi452cGRGmIFNw7IVniQjGHqMCYDzzdPxuvBPd2soIZLC5nGq6QXrx60gE_CfXaHArahU2cxkbRPZV29wMuGFiaHfB4WDIB7v2cMmGr1n3bR_U/s1600/water-garden-int.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500974120470171778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-Sy5IILlJEgbSgbtaQbdZV44LBnvHYi452cGRGmIFNw7IVniQjGHqMCYDzzdPxuvBPd2soIZLC5nGq6QXrx60gE_CfXaHArahU2cxkbRPZV29wMuGFiaHfB4WDIB7v2cMmGr1n3bR_U/s400/water-garden-int.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 521px; height: 286px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The “Earth” garden:</span> This section constitutes the heart of the laboratory dedicated to international researchers who analyze the aquatic ecosystem. On top of this panoramic room, a planted vault stands.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The “Fire” garden:</span> A confined and protected underwater lounge where armchairs surround a huge fireplace burning in the fireproofed hull of the vessel. One can access the planted garden from the circular banister that spreads under the planted vault and around the flames. One can admire the fauna and the flora in the middle of the vessel through the two panoramic glass portholes. It is a space dedicated to the permanent exhibits of aquatic ecosystems.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The “Air” garden: </span>This is a space of oxygen and light spread under a pneumatophorous lens. This ecologic amphitheater opens towards the exterior landscape. In the center, we find an “H2O” acronym extruded under the shape of a circular and rotating water bar.<br /><br />The Air Garden cross section and interior:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuYT6Bpu26iG_GeWB4cSqvhasKYavZNp30RIaSQHQCMLpJeR-A9ehqyUvpApglMC8RpN9l26TQkG_HqhoTxj7UKAUxunOejGudApJp8j-kNtq7TJ9fsmjUiTOQ5MEie9mlXWctOth4_A/s1600/air-garden-from-above.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500974655721788946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuYT6Bpu26iG_GeWB4cSqvhasKYavZNp30RIaSQHQCMLpJeR-A9ehqyUvpApglMC8RpN9l26TQkG_HqhoTxj7UKAUxunOejGudApJp8j-kNtq7TJ9fsmjUiTOQ5MEie9mlXWctOth4_A/s400/air-garden-from-above.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 525px; height: 320px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUktzpXl9EjH44Bhi-iFcpu0lhz07MKlfplhC5gncXegSHkiV-QV0jTtcY0hdAxGj0yx4eV1fwyMpgKB0gwa1OU9LJZyS2jYdSSR0wdhnOV1_9Ptk1unaMqb5ZKhWCI3_TP6YG5xKH1w/s1600/air-garden-interior.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500974568947683346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUktzpXl9EjH44Bhi-iFcpu0lhz07MKlfplhC5gncXegSHkiV-QV0jTtcY0hdAxGj0yx4eV1fwyMpgKB0gwa1OU9LJZyS2jYdSSR0wdhnOV1_9Ptk1unaMqb5ZKhWCI3_TP6YG5xKH1w/s400/air-garden-interior.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 524px; height: 315px;" /></a><br /><br />Man is in the center of this project which represents the balance between human action and respect for the environment. The architecture of this nomadic vessel, the concentration of nature, of biotechnology, information and communication is thus a reflection of the contemporary citizen who wonders about how his or her the actions effect the environment.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hWNjLl-ZAqz_sCOl6sgaNVjtZ0NwqTeQGwP_P2ObEXL1W8F-NyexSnaeUlnit9HmCk703UhdwMWtRL94QLH_bOf8n1PQAws-LuthEgn6k3Dbbrg83zidMuWQSqty1XC_nwUNwS9xCH8/s1600/the-deck.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500979847276253842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hWNjLl-ZAqz_sCOl6sgaNVjtZ0NwqTeQGwP_P2ObEXL1W8F-NyexSnaeUlnit9HmCk703UhdwMWtRL94QLH_bOf8n1PQAws-LuthEgn6k3Dbbrg83zidMuWQSqty1XC_nwUNwS9xCH8/s400/the-deck.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 525px; height: 316px;" /></a><br /><br />It is an audacious avant-garde project aimed at combining people with the notion of water respect, sharing in movement and dynamic balance. It is a project of trans-european leadership and a positive innovation of ecologic resilience.<br /><br />To read the extremely verbose English translation, as well as the french version of this text, <a href="http://vincent.callebaut.org/page1-img-physalia.html">go here.</a><br /><br />CONCEPT: Amphibious garden cleaning European waterways / Floating laboratories, museum and forum<br />YEAR: 2010<br />ARCHITECT: Vincent Callebaut<br />LOCATION: European waterways : Seine, Thames, Volga, Danube, Escaut, etc.<br />SURFACE AREA: 2000 m²<br />DIMENSIONS: 9m50 height, 80m length, 14m90 width<br />PERSPECTIVES: Philippe Steels<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">all images used with permission by architect Vincent Callebaut</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.vincent.callebaut.org/">©VINCENT CALLEBAUT ARCHIETCTURES </a></span>

An Amphibious Floating Garden That Purifies The Water, The Physalia.

The Gulf could use of couple of these right now. A futuristic vessel designed to clean European waterways, the “Physalia” project is an arc...

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