PEOPLE AND PLACES

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Sunday, July 13, 2014

NEW DESIGN OF TREE HOUSE AND MODE OF TRAVEL

 

 

 

Californian inventor spends millions creating incredible camper van to take his four year old daughter around the world

  • Called the KiraVan, the vehicle includes an office, kitchen, bedrooms and even its own motorbike and drone
  • Created by 61 year old Bran Ferren for his daughter Kira, who has her own pop tent on top of the truck
  • Pair hope to travel across America and the world in the vehicle

It is the ultimate recreational vehicle - and send to make one four year old extremely happy.

The KiraVan, a giant custom built off road truck, is capable of travelling almost anywhere in the world and was designed by 61 year old Californian inventor Bran Ferren.

The incredible interior boasts everything from a fully stocked office, kitchen and bedroom, to a popup tent on the roof for Kira, Ferren's four year daughter the truck was designed for.

Brian Ferren's sketch showing the features of the KiraVan. He has spent millions developing to supertruck for his four year old daughter Kira.

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Brian Ferren's sketch showing the features of the KiraVan. He has spent millions developing to supertruck for his four year old daughter Kira.

KIRAVAN FEATURES

Can travel 2,000 miles without resupply

Can navigate slopes as steep as 45 degrees

Drones can fly ahead to check traffic

Full kitchen, bathroom and bedroom

22 cameras to monitor traffic and the truck's exterior

Motorbike stowed at the rear

Kevlar reinforced tyres

Specially developed shock absorbing seats

Bran Ferren, the 61 year old cofounder and chief creative officer of Applied Minds, a world-renowned tech and design firm whose on-the-record customer list includes General Motors, Intel, and the US Air Force, has spent four years traveling the world to talk to experts as he finalised the truck's design.

The huge six-wheeled vehicle can drive down mud-swamped roads, and even rock covered roads thanks to kevlar reinforced tyres. It will be able to travel up to 2,000 miles without resupply and navigate slopes as steep as 45 degrees thanks to a special suspension system.

The cockpit also has a special vibration reducing chair, as well as control for drones that can fly ahead to check traffic.

However, while the truck itself is impressive, the trailer is even more so.

At 31 feet long and more than 10 feet high, it is better equipped than most homes.

It has an ecofriendly bathroom, a custom-designed kitchen where meals can be prepared, along with storage space for two weeks of traveling.

The office: Two large computers allow Ferren to see and control any aspect of the supervan

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The office: Two large computers allow Ferren to see and control any aspect of the supervan

The cockpit has a series of custom-made, overhead- and dash-mounted touchscreen cockpit displays, which monitor the vehicle¿s health and navigational progress; a joystick-operated situational-awareness system, which allows passengers to see the view from any one of the vehicles¿ 22 cameras and provides infrared thermal imagery of the road¿s temperature.

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The cockpit has a series of custom-made, overhead- and dash-mounted touchscreen cockpit displays, which monitor the vehicle¿s health and navigational progress; a joystick-operated situational-awareness system, which allows passengers to see the view from any one of the vehicles¿ 22 cameras and provides infrared thermal imagery of the road¿s temperature.

The Kiravan also has a full kitchen and dining area in the main trailer

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The Kiravan also has a full kitchen and dining area in the main trailer

The kitchen will be able to sustain a family of three for two to three weeks, and for longer trips other equipment can be removed to make more storage space

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The kitchen will be able to sustain a family of three for two to three weeks, and for longer trips other equipment can be removed to make more storage space

When completed, the KiraVan will be able to travel up to 2,000 miles without resupply and navigate slopes as steep as 45 degrees

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When completed, the KiraVan will be able to travel up to 2,000 miles without resupply and navigate slopes as steep as 45 degrees

The off road truck has been developed to be able to traverse any terrain

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The off road truck has been developed to be able to traverse any terrain

Antennas and dishes on the roof give the truck its communications capabilities, and can be hoisted up when the truck is stationary.

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Antennas and dishes on the roof give the truck its communications capabilities, and can be hoisted up when the truck is stationary.

The KiraVan's chassis has been stretched and reinforced so the cab, adapted from a Mercedes-Benz Unimog, can accommodate all of the additions.

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The KiraVan's chassis has been stretched and reinforced so the cab, adapted from a Mercedes-Benz Unimog, can accommodate all of the additions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A pile of reclaimed timber, some leftover nails and hoping for the best is how most of us would view a tree house. Or perhaps you always wanted to live like Peter Pan's Lost Boys high in the branches.

Well, Russian design studio A.Masow has taken a far more sleek and stylish approach to the humble hideaway that childhood dreams are made of.

They've come up with a veritable palace among the leaves and built it in the Kazakhstan mountains, and it's inspired by the architecture of Apple stores. What geniuses!

Their three-storey cylindrical glass building can be found outside the city of Almaty, nestled around a 40-foot fir tree.

It boasts a spiral staircase that allows those inside to move between levels without ever losing contact with the lush surrounds. It also has a kitchen, living room and toilet, but clearly there is one thing lacking - it's stunning design clearly isn't build for privacy.

See the forest from the trees: Russian design studio A.Masow created this remarkable tree house in Kasakhstan

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See the forest from the trees: Russian design studio A.Masow created this remarkable tree house in Kasakhstan

Connected: The spiral staircase spans the tree house's three levels keeping those inside in touch with the forest at all times

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Connected: The spiral staircase spans the tree house's three levels keeping those inside in touch with the forest at all times

Glass house: The building is constructed around a 40-foot fir tree

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Glass house: The building is constructed around a 40-foot fir tree

Sleek: The designers were inspired by the style of Apple stores

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Sleek: The designers were inspired by the style of Apple stores

Sharing is caring: The tree house is fully kitted out with a kitchen, living area and toilet, but can't boast privacy among its assets

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Sharing is caring: The tree house is fully kitted out with a kitchen, living area and toilet, but can't boast privacy among its assets

Luxury: Who needs a TV when you have a reading room like this?

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Luxury: Who needs a TV when you have a reading room like this?

 

 

It's 50 years since the Jetsons first predicted we'd be flying the family about in airborne cars.

And now we are finally standing on the cusp of that long-awaited milestone, as the world's first flying motorcycle goes on sale.

The Pal-V One Helicycle is a two-seat hybrid car and gyrocopter that has the potential for making rush-hour delays a thing of the past.

Scroll down for video

The Pal-V One - a three-wheeled motorcyle that transforms into a gyrocopter at the flick of a switch - is now on sale for $295,000 (£180,000)

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The Pal-V One - a three-wheeled motorcyle that transforms into a gyrocopter at the flick of a switch - is now on sale for $295,000 (£180,000). It takes 10 minutes to switch between modes and can go from 0 to 60 in the air in under 8 seconds

Luxury gadgets site Hammacher Schlemmer is marketing the Helicycle for 'just' $395,000 - a bargain...

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Luxury gadgets site Hammacher Schlemmer is marketing the Helicycle for 'just' $395,000 - a bargain...

It is road - and air - legal and now, two years after its maiden flight, it is finally available to buy - if you have a spare $395,999 (£230,000) that is.

The Dutch-built Pal-V One can reach speeds of up to 112mph and goes from 0 to 60 in under 8 seconds when driven on the road.

THE PAL-V ONE SPECIFICATIONS

The two-seater vehicle converts from a three-wheeled motorcycle to a gyrocopter in 10 minutes.

It has 230hp, four-cylinder engine and reaches speeds of up 112 mph in the air or on the road.

The helicycle goes from 0 to 60 mph in under eight seconds.

The gyrocopter is designed to cruise at low altitudes (below 4,000ft) and it requires a 540ft runway for take-offs. For landing, the vehicle needs just 100 ft.

The 27-gallon gas tank provides a 220-mile flight range (750 miles on the road).

It is made from carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum and weighs 1,499lbs.

Owners must have a Sports Pilot Certificate to fly the vehicle.

Owners will need a Sports Pilot Certificate to fly one.

The two-seater vehicle can be bought through luxury gadget retailer Hammacher Schemmler which advertises it under name The Helicycle, yet its design and specifications are identical to the Pal-V One's.

Despite its helicopter-like appearance, like many flying car prototypes, including the TF-X from Austin-based Terrafugia, the Pal-V needs a 540ft runway in order to take-off.

When in flight mode, the vehicle looks like a helicopter, however, it is known as a gyrocopter or autogyro because the main power comes from the rotors at the rear of the vehicle.

Its rotors spin considerably slower than a helicopter's blades, too, and can't stall.

On the ground, the machine handles somewhere between a motorbike and a racing car - its chassis is built to lean into turns, and the two-seater can reach speeds of up to 112mph.

Unlike most fictional flying cars, of course, it can't just extend its rotors then hurtle skywards - the process takes about ten minutes.

PAL-V Ultimate Freedom car-plane

The Pal-V One, pictrured, needs a 540ft runway in order to take-off.

The Pal-V One, pictrured, needs a 540ft runway in order to take-off. When in flight mode, the vehicle looks like a helicopter, however, it is known as a gyrocopter or autogyro because the main power comes from the rotors at the rear of the vehicle

Once the engine stops, the propeller folds itself automatically into the driving position. Pushing a button then lowers the rotor mast into the horizontal position.

Rotor blades and tail have to be stowed away by the driver.

'On the ground the vehicle drives like a sports car,' said Pal-V. 'Within minutes its rotor is unfolded and its tail is extended: then it is ready to take off thanks to the advanced gyrocopter technology.'

The gyrocopter, pictured, is designed to cruise at low altitudes, below 4,000ft. Although it needs a 540ft runway for take-off, it only needs 100ft to land

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The gyrocopter, pictured, is designed to cruise at low altitudes, below 4,000ft. Although it needs a 540ft runway for take-off, it only needs 100ft to land

The 27-gallon gas tank in the Pal-V One, pictured, provides a 220-mile flight range (750 miles on the road).

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The 27-gallon gas tank in the Pal-V One, pictured, provides a 220-mile flight range or 750 miles on the road. It is made from carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum and weighs 1,499lbs

It has 230hp, four-cylinder engine and reaches speeds of up 112 mph in the air or on the road and it tilts like a motorcycle

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The helicycle goes from 0 to 60 mph in under eight seconds.

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The Pal-V One is on sale from retailer Hammacher Schemmler under the name The Helicycle - but the specifications are the same. It can reach speeds of up to 112 mph and tilts like a motorcycle when turning corners, left.  The helicycle goes from 0 to 60 mph in under eight seconds on the road, as well

'With these successful test results it is proven that it is not only possible to build a flying car but also that it can be done within existing international rules for both flying and driving.'

The Pal-V One features a 230hp, four-cylinder engine powered by petrol.

Its 27 gallon tank means pilots can fly for up to 220 miles at low altitudes - around 4,000ft - or drive for up 750 miles.

It is made of carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum and weighs 1,500lbs.

The Pal-V One completed its maiden voyage just 18 months ago.

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The Pal-V One completed its maiden voyage just 18 months ago. It is available in red, pictured, or black

To drive and fly the Pal-V One, pictured, owners must have a driving license and a Sports Pilot Certificate

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To drive and fly the Pal-V One, pictured, owners must have a driving license and a Sports Pilot Certificate

Bike to the future! Slick electric motorcycle cruises 125 miles on just one charge

  • Electric bike has an almost-silent motor integrated into the rear wheel
  • Tiny motor provides 14hp and a top speed of 74mph
  • Side mirrors have integrated displays showing bike’s speed and range

The uptake of electric vehicles is usually limited by how far they can travel on a single charge, with experts even coining a new term to describe the feeling of uncertainty over whether you have enough power to reach your destination; 'range anxiety'.

Now one Austrian company is hoping to tackle the problem with the introduction of the Johammer J1 - an electric bike that can travel 125 miles (200km) on a single charge.

Scroll down for video...

One Austrian company is hoping to tackle range anxiety with the introduction of the Johammer J1 - an electric bike that can travel 125 miles on a single charge

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One Austrian company is hoping to tackle range anxiety with the introduction of the Johammer J1 - an electric bike that can travel 125 miles on a single charge

Created by Bad Leonfelden-based group Johammer, the electric bike has an almost silent motor integrated into the rear wheel.

The 11 kilowatt hub-mounted motor provides 14 horsepower and a top speed of 74mph (119kph).

The stiff middle-frame of the electric bike is made from aluminium and has been designed to contain the battery pack

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The stiff middle-frame of the electric bike is made from aluminium and has been designed to contain the battery pack

Electric hub-mounted motors contain the electric motor within the wheel hub, or central part of the wheel.

To drive the wheel, the motor contains a coil which generates an electromagnetic field as power flows through it.

The field attracts the outer part of the motor, which attempts to follow its direction, and in doing so turns the connected wheel.

The hub motors eliminates the need for a heavy transmission, gear train, and axles which reduces the weight, making the electric bike far more efficient.

In place of traditional gauges, the side mirrors have high-resolution displays that show information on the bike’s speed and range.

Electric hub-mounted motors contain the electric motor within the wheel hub, or central part of the wheel. The motor is shown here on the rear wheel

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Electric hub-mounted motors contain the electric motor within the wheel hub, or central part of the wheel. The motor is shown here on the rear wheel

Created by Bad Leonfelden-based group Johammer, the electric bike has an almost-silent motor integrated into the rear wheel

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Created by Bad Leonfelden-based group Johammer, the electric bike has an almost-silent motor integrated into the rear wheel

A close-up of the front wheel on the bike. The company claims the design provides a safe driving experience. 'Steering and footpeg allow for individual adaptation,' it said

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A close-up of the front wheel on the bike. The company claims the design provides a safe driving experience. 'Steering and footpeg allow for individual adaptation,' it said

JOHAMMER J1 SPECIFICATIONS

J1.150 

Price: £19,000 ($31,600)

Range: 93 miles, speed: 75mph

Battery capacity: 8,3 kWh

Charge time: 80 per cent in 2.5 hours
J1.200

Price: £20,600 ($34,500)

Reach: 125 miles, speed: 75mph

Battery capacity: 12.7 kWh

Charging time: 80 per cent in 3.5 hours

‘The extreme torsion stiff middle-frame made from aluminium provides space for spring damper and battery pack,’ the group writes on their website.

‘Perfectly balanced (at 350mm mass centre height) the Johammer offers an unmatched and safe driving experience. Steering and footpeg allow for individual adaptation.’ The bike, which can be purchased from the Johammer, currently comes in silver, white, blue, yellow and green options.

The J1.150 will set you back £19,000 ($31,600) while the J1.200 will hit your wallet a bit harder at £20,600 ($34,500) in exchange for a bigger battery and longer range.

The bike, which can be purchased from the Johammer, currently comes in silver, white, blue, yellow and green options

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The bike, which can be purchased from the Johammer, currently comes in silver, white, blue, yellow and green options

To drive the wheel, the motor (shown on the rear wheel) contains a coil which generates an electromagnetic field as power flows through it. The field attracts the outer part of the motor, which attempts to follow its direction, and in doing so turns the connected wheel

To drive the wheel, the motor (shown on the rear wheel) contains a coil which generates an electromagnetic field as power flows through it. The field attracts the outer part of the motor, which attempts to follow its direction, and in doing so turns the connected wheel

In place of traditional gauges, the side mirrors have high-resolution displays that show information on the bike's speed and range

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In place of traditional gauges, the side mirrors have high-resolution displays that show information on the bike's speed and range

 

     

 

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