Living News

In the tropical Vietnamese province of Dong Nai, Southeast Asian architecture firm T3 Architects has completed the Hippo Farm Bioclimatic Dormitories, a cost-effective housing structure that uses locally sourced materials and bioclimatic design principles to stay naturally cool and comfortable year-round. A limited budget and a brief that specified low-impact construction led the architects to explore traditional construction methods such as using Vietnamese bulk rice husk with inspect-resistant diatomaceous earth for the roof insulation.

Fundraiser to help homeless women Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City will host a Facebook Live event March 6 to raise money in place of their annual gala fundraiser.

The Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma will host a virtual discussion about mental health in the coming days. A "Discussion Panel regarding Mental Health and Marginalized Communities" is set for 7 p.m.

By Richard Mize, real estate editor, rmize@oklahoman.comHomebuilders are turning away customers — for custom-built homes at least — because of uncertainty surrounding soaring lumber prices. "We have been hammered by lumber prices," said Jim Schuff, co-owner of Vesta Homes in Moore and president of the Oklahoma Home Builders Association.

Staff reportsFriends of the Oklahoma History Center has received a $35,000 grant from the Inasmuch Foundation to fund a project to digitize the Oklahoma Historical Society's scholarly journal, The Chronicles of Oklahoma. The grant also honors the work of Bob Blackburn, who began his career with the Oklahoma Historical Society as editor of The Chronicles of Oklahoma and recently retired after 41 years of service to the state. The Oklahoma Historical Society is in the process of uploading full issues of The Chronicles of Oklahoma to The Gateway to Oklahoma History, an online repository of Oklahoma history housing historic newspapers, photographs, maps and documents. Funds from the grant will be used to pay staff to process digitized issues of The Chronicles of Oklahoma in such a way as to give patrons the ability to download or print individual articles, book reviews, meeting minutes, or other specific content from each issue.

Millions of commuters who use underground subway systems in the U. S. are exposed to dangerous rates of air pollution, according to a recent study. The study, which sampled air quality in 71 underground stations across the U. S., has revealed air pollution during the morning and evening rush is nothing short of disastrous.

By Dave Cathey Food editor dcathey@oklahoman.comLocal restaurants and bars are making moves that reflect the vapor trail of hope left by the launch of vaccinations in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. With a week's worth of arctic weather in the forecast, local dining rooms pushed their reduced capacities and inspired those unafraid of some mild chattering of the teeth to brave patio dining last weekend.

When it comes to sustainability, reusing something that already exists is usually better than creating something new. The same goes for architecture, a fact that a local Stockholm firm exemplified with its newly unveiled project, which turned a 1990s office building into a series of apartments with a green roof. Dubbed “Vintertullstorget,” the project was able to preserve the existing concrete structure rather than knocking it down and starting from scratch, reducing the need for excessive construction materials and labor.

By Safiya Charles, Montgomery Advertiser/USA Today NetworkIt was Dec. 1, 1955.

By Brandy McDonnell Features writer bmcdonnell@oklahoman.comLove isn't always easy, and love in the time of COVID-19 can be especially challenging. It's almost Valentine's Day, and many of the go-to night-out options for couples — catching a show, watching a movie, savoring a lavish meal — could be potentially problematic during these pandemic days. If another night of Netflix and chill holds no appeal, have no fear, fellow Okies.

By L. G. Parkhurst Jr.“Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” — John 16:7 The Holy Spirit bestows many gifts on believers, and of major importance, the Holy Spirit serves as their Advocate.

A design team led by PLandscape and LAAB Architects has brought a rooftop nature conservatory in Hong Kong to life. The Nature Discovery Park will offer a plethora of nature-based learning experiences with a biodiversity museum, an outdoor farm to provide farm-to-table dining, a butterfly garden and more. The park is found at the center of Hong Kong on the top level of the popular K11 MUSEA shopping mall.

By Adam Cohen and Dr. Stephen Prescott, for The OklahomanAdam’s Journal I’ve noticed President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris wearing two masks on recent occasions.

Advene has just restocked its Age bag, an accessory that is transparently constructed and designed to eliminate unnecessary plastics. Advene releases one product at a time, using responsible materials to create its designs along with a commitment to reducing harmful plastic waste throughout the process. The name Advene is taken from “advenience.” This term was coined by Roland Barthes, a philosopher who used the word to describe art that stirs something up inside of you when you see it.

In response to the pressing need for sustainable and affordable housing in Ontario, Canadian design firm Montgomery Sisam Architects has unveiled plans for Durham Modular Supportive Housing, a modular, affordable housing development to be located in the town of Beaverton just outside of Toronto, Ontario. Created to “push the boundaries of affordable housing,” the prefabricated project will provide 49 self-contained bachelor suites in just 12 months from design to occupancy.

By Jim Miller, for The OklahomanDEAR SAVVY SENIOR: Are there any resources to help seniors find and pay for senior apartments?