Active home listings dropped 7% in May to the lowest number Redfin has ever recorded going back to 2012.
New listings, meanwhile, fell 25% year over year to 465,000 last month.
That’s due to high mortgage rates, which have discouraged owners from selling their homes.
Thanks for signing up!
Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you’re on the go.
The housing market is suffering its worst inventory shortage in over a decade, a sign that high mortgage rates are causing the housing ice age to drag on.
Active home listings saw a year-over-year drop of 7.1% last month, slumping to 1.4 million in May, according to data from Redfin. That’s the lowest number of available homes the real estate analytics group has ever recorded, with its data going back to 2012.
New listings, meanwhile, fell 25% year over year to 465,000 last month – the third-lowest number Redfin has recorded.
The drop in available homes is largely due to high mortgage rates, with the average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage hovering near a 20-year record at 6.35%. Rates that high discourage existing homeowners from listing their properties, as many financed their homes at ultra-low interest rates years ago.
The result is an unaffordable and largely frozen housing market, with the shortage in inventory pushing prices higher and slowing sales activity.
In fact, 38% of properties last month sold above their listing price, Redfin said. Meanwhile, pending home sales dropped 16%, a sign that the spring homebuying rush has faltered in the face of higher mortgage rates.
“There are two things that would jumpstart the housing market: A big drop in mortgage rates and/or a big surge of new listings … Neither of those things happened this spring,” Redfin’s deputy chief economist Taylor Marr said in a statement on Thursday. “Instead, rates rose and new listings dropped to record lows. And with one or two more interest-rate hikes expected this year, mortgage rates are likely to remain elevated at least through the summer, continuing to limit both demand and supply.”
Affordability and homebuying activity won’t pick up until mortgage rates drop more meaningfully, Marr previously told Insider, though he said that was unlikely to happen anytime soon. He predicted mortgage rates would likely ease to just around 6% by the end of the year.
Heated dog beds are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who want to provide their pup with a warm and comfortable place to rest. But are they good for your dog’s health? According to veterinarian and author Doc Halligan, the answer is yes!
Heated beds especially benefit senior dogs with arthritis and other health issues.
“When dogs get older, they may benefit from having soft and heated bedding as their muscle mass decreases,” she says. “They may also develop calluses and sores and their joints can become stiff. Especially for older dogs or those with health issues, orthopedic and heated beds can greatly enhance their quality of life.”
There are many options available, but here are our top picks:
1. PetMate’s ASPEN Pet Self-Warning Rectangular Lounger: This bed doesn’t require electricity. Made with soft and plush materials, it features a special heat-reflecting technology used in space blankets to radiate the pet’s own body heat to retain warmth. Comes in the color barn red and cream in sizes small, medium and large. $29.99 – $69.99; petmate.com
2. K&H Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed: This bed warms to a dog’s normal body temperature only when the animal is in the bed. It is made of soft and plush materials and has a removable cover and pillow for easy cleaning. Comes in colors gray or sage/tan and in medium and large sizes. $142.99-$169.99; khpet.com
3. The Pet Life Dream Smart Electronic Heating and Cooling Smart Dog Bed: This high-tech solution for keeping your dog comfortable year-round features a heating unit to warm the bed and a fan to cool it. It also has a machine-washable removable fleece cover. Comes in colors gray, navy, burgundy red and mocha brown, plus sizes medium and large. $94.99-$113.99; shop.petlife.com
What to look for in a heated dog bed
Not just any heated dog bed will do. Shop for the best one with the following criteria in mind.
Safety – Pick a bed with a shut-off feature so it doesn’t overheat and cause a fire. Also, an adjustable thermostat prevents burns and a chew-resistant cord prevents electrical shock.
Size and Shape – A bed that’s too small won’t be comfortable, while one that’s too big won’t provide enough warmth. Measure your dog to ensure you get the right size.
Durability – This is especially important for pups who love to chew everything in sight. Look for a bed with a removable and machine-washable cover for quick clean-up of accidents.
A heated dog bed can be a great solution to keep your dog warm and cozy. Prioritize safety, size and durability when picking the right one for your pup, and I am sure your dog will have “sweet puppy dreams” in his new warm bed.
UK-studio Tsuruta Architects has combined artificial intelligence with CNC cutting in a revamp of a home in London’s Notting Hill.
Dragon Flat features engraved wall panels and joinery incorporating AI-generated images, including a map of the River Thames and a graphic floral motif.
AI-generated engravings feature on both floors of the home
A CNC router – a computer-controlled cutting machine – allowed these designs to be directly transferred onto wooden boards, which have been used for surfaces within the interior.
Taro Tsuruta, founder of Tsuruta Architects, said that he decided to experiment with AI because there wasn’t room in the budget to collaborate with a graphic designer.
A map of the River Thames features in the living space
Using DALL-E 2, an AI program that transforms text instructions into high-quality images, he was able to create bespoke designs for the kitchen and bedroom space.
“I typed a series of prompts and ran a series of variations, then came up with an unexpected yet expected result,” he told Dezeen. “It was like sculpting a form with a keyboard.”
Upstairs, a tatami room features a row of engraved peonies
Tsuruta’s clients for Dragon Flat were a young Asian couple who moved to London five years ago. The property they bought was a two-level maisonette in a 1950s council block.
The renovation sees the home subtly reconfigured.
The lower level is opened up, allowing the kitchen to become part of the living space, while the upper level has been adapted to create more storage.
This revamped upper level includes a walk-in wardrobe and a tatami room – a typical space in traditional Japanese homes – as well as a main bedroom.
The designs are etched into OSB wall panels
The River Thames image features in the new living and dining room. Engraved plywood panels front a grid of cupboards, creating an entire wall of storage.
The floral pattern, designed to resemble “an army of peonies”, can be found in the tatami room.
Images of these flowers are etched into white-washed oriented strand board (OSB), which forms wall panels. This creates a colour contrast that allows the design to stand out.
Whitewashed surfaces allow the floral design to stand out
“We did quite a few sample tests, changing the needle size of the CNC router to get it right,” said Tsuruta.
The aim here, he explained, was to create a design that playfully references Arts and Crafts, a movement that embraced floral imagery but rejected the technological advances of its time.
“Arts and Craft was very labour-intensive,” said the architect. “Our process is the opposite, but we share a common goal of enriching the lives of occupants.”
The addition of a walk-in wardrobe frees up space in the bedroom
CNC cutting has played a pivotal role in many of Tsuruta’s projects. Examples include The Queen of Catford, a group of five flats filled with cat faces, and Marie’s Wardrobe, a home with a highly intricate custom staircase.
Dragon Flat is his first completed project to incorporate AI, a process he said provides infinite options but requires human input in order to achieve a successful result.
A floating timber staircase allows light to filter through
“This process is pretty much the same as with any tool,” he said. “At the end of the day, we were the ones to select and move on to the next variation or stop there.”
The interior also features other playful details, including a floating timber staircase. Built in the same position as the original stairwell, this perforated volume allows more light to filter between spaces.
OSB and marble contrast in the bathroom
The bathroom combines marble with OSB, creating an intentional contrast between luxury and low-cost materials, and also includes some small motifs showing bats.
“The symbolic meaning of peonies, dragons and bats, together with the Thames River, is ambiguous,” added Tsuruta.
“We want people to keep thinking and talking about them, but overall they are believed to bring prosperity and a happy life.”
Our experts answer readers’ banking questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess banking products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
Old Point National Bank is offering the highest interest rate for a CD right now.
Many more banks and credit unions are offering rates over 5% APY.
Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you’re on the go.
CD rates have broken 6%.
Old Point National Bank, based in Hampton, Virginia, is offering a 6-month CD with an interest rate of 6.02% APY, and a minimum balance of $500. Until now, NASA Federal Credit Union had claimed the title of highest CD rate, offering 5.65% APY for a 9-month share certificate.
For years, savings products like CDs and high-yield savings accounts offered rates more in the realm of 3% and 4% APY, but in recent months 5% has become the new normal for CDs. While Old Point National is the first one to break 6%, it’s not unlikely that more banks and credit unions could follow.
How to get the highest interest rate on your savings
Old Point National Bank is a bank, not a credit union, meaning anyone who can afford the minimum balance can put money into its CDs. However, you must visit a branch location to open a CD. While it’s offering the highest rate right now, other banks and credit unions aren’t far behind:
CloudBank 24/7 High Yield Savings Account
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
5.11%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$1
Fees
no monthly service fee
CloudBank 24/7 High Yield Savings Account
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
5.11%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$1
Fees
no monthly service fee
CloudBank 24/7 High Yield Savings Account
Details
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
5.11%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$1
Pros & Cons
Accounts pay high interest rates
No fees
Open accounts you might not be able access outside of Raisin
Minimum opening requirements are often lower than if you opened an account directly with a bank
No checking accounts or business accounts
Only way to deposit or withdraw money is by connecting to an external account
Can’t connect to third-party budgeting apps, like Mint
Highlights
Raisin is an online marketplace that partners with banks to offer competitive rates
Filter your search by institution, or by type of institution (e.g., minority-led, family-owned, or supports small business)
Interest is compounded daily and paid monthly
Deposits are federally insured by the FDIC or NCUA
Additional Reading
Read our review
A CD (certificate of deposit, technically), is a savings product best used for getting a guaranteed return on short-term savings you won’t need to use in the near future. When you put money in a CD, you know upfront how long that CD will last (like one year, six months, or three years) and in most cases, you can’t remove your money before then without paying a penalty fee.
If you aren’t sure you can leave your money alone for the length of a CD, consider a high-yield savings account instead.
Libby Kane, CFEI, is the Executive Editor for Personal Finance Insider, Insider’s personal finance section that incorporates affiliate and commerce partnerships into the news, insights, and advice about money Insider readers already know and love. She holds the Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) certification issued by the National Financial Educators Council. She is a member of the Insider Committe, a cross-team focus group working on making Insider an even better place to work. Previously at Insider, she oversaw teams including Strategy, Careers, and Executive Life. Her team at Insider has tackled projects including: • Women of Means, a series about women taking control of their finances • Inside the Racial Wealth Gap, an exploration of the causes, effects, and potential solutions of the racial wealth gap in the US (finalist, Drum Award, “Editorial Campaign of the Year,” 2021) • Strings Attached, a series of essays from people who have left insulated communities and how that journey affected their relationship with money • Master Your Money, a year-long guide for millennials on how to take control of their finances (first runner up, Drum Award, “Best Use of Social Media,” 2022) • The Road to Home, a comprehensive guide to buying your first house (silver award winner, National Association of Real Estate Editors, “Best Multi-Platform Package or Series – Real Estate,” 2022) Personal Finance Insider also rates, explains, and recommends financial products and services. Outside of personal finance, she’s written about everything from why Chinese children are so good at math to the business of dogs to hard truths about adulthood. In September 2016, she helped launch Insider Netherlands in Amsterdam. She’s always interested in research, charts, and people: new and interesting research, compelling charts and other visuals, and people who are willing to share the details of their impressive financial accomplishments and strategies. Before joining the company in March 2014, she was the associate editor at LearnVest, covering personal and behavioral finance. If you have something to share, please reach out to lkane@insider.com.
Years of spending time outdoors in the sun will take a toll on our skin. The hours and days we’ve logged exposed to the elements can be seen in dark spots, wrinkles, sagging skin and discoloration. Unfortunately for sun lovers, sun damage can age our skin prematurely and increase our risk of developing skin cancer. Read on for the most common signs and symptoms of sun damage on the face and body, and to find out how to improve the appearance of your skin.
Sun Damage On The Face: Signs & Symptoms To Look Out For
Unlike typical chronological aging, which is determined by your age and genetics, sun damage occurs when UV light from the sun permanently changes the skin’s structure. These symptoms include:
Rough, Dry Skin Texture
After many years of UV exposure, you may develop textural changes in the skin. This can look like scaly patches and crusty skin that is thicker in density and raised from the surface. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you may spot deep lines or dry, scaly patches called actinic keratoses (AKs), which are pre-cancerous skin growths. This type of sun damage can also lead to skin cancer, as AK sometimes turns into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Keeping an eye on any changes in your skin and consulting a doctor will help you catch any potential skin cancers early.
Wrinkles & Fine Lines
Long-term changes in the skin’s collagen, which gives the skin its elasticity, can be a symptom of sun damage. These changes can include fine lines, wrinkles and a thickened skin texture. Unfortunately, lengthy exposure to UV rays prematurely ages your skin and results in the loss of collagen and skin elasticity. In fact, an astonishing 90% of visible aging is caused by exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
Sagging, Loose Skin
Elastin and collagen are two proteins in the skin that deteriorate, not only due to the natural aging process, but also because of external factors over time. These factors include too much sun exposure, as well as lifestyle choices such as poor nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. This breakdown of collagen and elastin production causes loose, sagging skin.
Spider Veins
As collagen deteriorates, fragile collagen structure leads to decreased pressure around the blood vessels and reduced elasticity of the skin. This change means spider veins are more likely to appear at the skin’s surface as a network of red, purple, and blue lines reminiscent of a spider’s web.
A Ruddy Complexion
It’s possible for a ruddy complexion to be inherited. However, it can also be caused by excessive sun exposure. Ruddy skin is characterized by a reddish appearance and skin that looks uneven, blotchy or has broken capillaries.
Hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin pigmentation (or hyperpigmentation) is a broad term that refers to an uneven skin tone or dark spots appearing. With uneven skin tone, you’ll notice parts of the skin have become discolored or darkened, caused by either sun damage or genetics. Skin pigmentation can be categorized as either a raised lesion (papule or plaque) or a flat lesion (patch or macule).
Another type of hyperpigmentation can be seen in moles. Any abnormal change in your skin is a good reason to consult a doctor to check for signs of skin cancer. A spot that was a light color when you first noticed it in your 30s can change appearance later on in life. Keep an eye on these dark spots, and visit your doctor if you notice changes in color, texture, size or shape.
Dark spots, also known as sun spots, liver spots or lentigines, are yet another type of hyperpigmentation. They look like extra-large freckles or flat brown spots. These form from chronic exposure to UV light, and they typically appear on your arms, legs, face, hands, neck and décolletage. This is different from skin pigmentation issues which occur when cells become damaged, reducing melanin production.
If you’ve noticed any of these skin issues, read on to find out how to protect your skin from further sun damage and improve the health of your skin.
How To Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage
If you want to keep your skin looking radiant and healthy long term, below are six the steps you can take to protect your skin. And watch the In The Mix video below for a quick refresher on how to apply it properly.
1. Apply SPF Every 2 Hours
SPF is a preventative tool but only if you wear it and remember to reapply it. Reapply an SPF of 30 or above evenly every two hours — or more frequently if you are sweating, toweling off or coming into contact with water.
2. Limit Time Outdoors & Wear Protective Clothing
Restrict your time outdoors when the sun is at its peak (generally from about 10am to 4pm in most parts of the US). The Skin Cancer Foundation says you should cover up with clothing, hats and sunscreen. You should also seek shade, especially when the sun is strongest.
3. Choose A Sunscreen With SPF 30 Or Higher
If you recognize any of these symptoms of sun damaged skin, the first step you can take is putting the brakes on any further damage. One of the most effective preventative formulas is sunscreen. By introducing SPF into your daily skin care routine, you’re warding off the early signs of aging and other sun damage with minimal effort, so use a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF (sun protection factor) value of 30 and above regularly. Read this guide to learn about the benefits of sunscreen and why you need to wear it every day.
4. Look For “Broad-Spectrum” On The Label
While SPF measures how well the formula protects you from UVB rays, it won’t tell you anything about protection from UVA light. That’s why the second factor to look for in a sunscreen is a label stating “broad-spectrum.” This label means you’re getting protection from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are what you can blame for the signs of wrinkles and fine lines. In comparison, UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburn and skin cancer.
5. Choose an SPF With Moisturizing Ingredients
If you have dry skin due to sun exposure, particular ingredients will help bring the moisture back. Our Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 is formulated with zinc oxide plus lilikoi, cocoa seed oil and larch tree, a great moisturizing and nourishing combination of ingredients.
6. Regularly Check Your Body
Whenever you exit the bath or shower, check your body from head to toe to become familiar with your skin and recognize whether any new spots appear. Keep a close eye on existing spots too, noting whether their appearance alters in any way. A reminder that a change in size, shape, color or border is a red (or pink or brown) flag that should be checked out by your doctor.
Are you dealing with signs of sun damage? View our range of sun care products to shield yourself from harmful UV rays or visit your nearest Eminence Spa for help identifying and reversing skin damage.
Dogs have a thyroid gland in their necks that produces hormones. When excess thyroid hormones are released, hyperthyroidism occurs and results in negative effects in the body. This condition is most common in older dogs but is quite rare overall.
Causes of hyperthyroidism in dogs
A cancerous thyroid mass is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in dogs. Less commonly, a benign mass called an adenoma can develop in the thyroid gland and cause symptoms.
Giving too much levothyroxine to a hypothyroid dog is also a common cause of hyperthyroidism. This can be prevented through monitoring and dose adjustments.
Signs of hyperthyroidism in dogs
Hyperthyroidism in dogs causes various symptoms, which include the following:
If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your dog to the veterinarian right away to determine the underlying cause and begin treatment.
Management of hyperthyroidism in dogs
Management depends on the underlying cause. For dogs who have received too much levothyroxine, simply adjusting the dose can return thyroid hormone levels back to normal.
In dogs with thyroid masses, surgery may be an option. Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with surgery as another form of treatment. Radioactive iodine therapy also destroys thyroid tissue and reduces hormone levels. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best approach based on your dog’s overall health and needs.
Complications of hyperthyroidism in dogs
Hyperthyroid dogs are at an increased risk for other health conditions, such as heart or kidney disease and high blood pressure. Because thyroid cancer has usually spread by the time of diagnosis, most dogs experience a shortened lifespan. However, with the proper management, dogs with hyperthyroidism can still live happy lives.
The US military recently landed a MQ-9 Reaper drone on a dirt strip for the first time.
An Air Force official hailed the exercise as an opportunity to break away from traditional runways.
It followed an early May mission that saw the Reaper land on a remote highway for the first time.
Thanks for signing up!
Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you’re on the go.
A US military MQ-9 Reaper drone recently landed in the dirt for the first time, unlocking a new capability for the aircraft that moves it away from the confines of traditional, paved runways that might not be an option in a high-end fight, the US Air Force said last week.
During a June 15 Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) training exercise, air commandos successfully landed the uncrewed Reaper drone at a remote dirt strip near Fort Stockton in western Texas. The Reaper drone usually takes off and lands through “line of sight of antennas” and is manually flown by aircrew members, the Air Force said in a statement, but the military stressed that it can now fly from anywhere in the world.
“This is a significant achievement for Air Force Reserve Command, AFSOC, the MQ-9 community and the joint force as a whole,” said Lt. Col. Brian Flanigan, director of operations for the 2nd Special Operations Squadron, in the statement.
He added that the “team of aircrew, maintainers, and special tactics Airmen have proven the Reaper can operate anywhere in the world and is no longer beholden to the ‘leash’ of perfectly paved runways or line-of-sight antennas traditionally used to take off and land the aircraft.”
A US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper conducts the first ever MQ-9 Reaper landing on a dirt landing zone during a training exercise near Fort Stockton, Texas, June 15, 2023.
US Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alysa Calvarese
The threats posed by near-peer rivals and potential adversaries have forced the military to look beyond traditional bases and runways that could be targeted in a war to new ways of fighting. For the Air Force, that means learning how to fight from austere locations that provide increased survivability and flexibility.
The Air Force also used the exercise to explore creative adaptations to the traditional roles that drones play in missions. In doing so, a travel pod was attached to the Reaper so it could resupply soldiers who were waiting at the dirt landing zone.
“We call it ‘Reaper Express’, which is essentially just using a travel pod to develop an operational concept of delivering critical items to austere locations using the MQ-9,” Flanigan said in the statement. “It may not be able to carry much, but what it can hold might be the difference between getting that critical aircraft part to an isolated airfield or bringing in a blood supply for casualties sustained during a base attack.”
Last week’s mission marked the Reaper’s second major achievement in as many months. In early May, Air Force soldiers completed the MQ-9’s first-ever highway landing during a series of drills in rural Wyoming, alongside a massive MC-130J Commando II aircraft and A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes.
An MQ-9 Reaper with the 2nd Special Operations Squadron lands on Highway 287 during Exercise Agile Chariot near Rawlins, Wyoming, April 30, 2023.
US Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Cody H. Ramirez
The highway landing “showcases how the MQ-9 can launch and recover from remote locations and extend its operational reach to protect American interests globally,” said Lt. Col. David Payne, 2nd Special Operations Squadron commander, in a statement at the time.
These recent exercises, however, are not a new endeavor for the US military. The Air Force on several occasions has landed planes, such as the Warthog and MC-130J, on non-traditional runways at home and overseas and has even explored modifying the MC-130 so that it can land on the water.
Does your dog follow you everywhere you go? If your pup is always stuck to your side, you have what is commonly called a velcro dog. The name comes from the hook-and-loop fastener used to hold fabric together. These dogs always want to be with their people, and depending on the breed, they can be very protective. Although some people get annoyed with how needy velcro dogs are, this clingy behavior is natural and with some breeds, desirable.
Top 9 velcro dog breeds:
Any dog can display velcro dog behaviors, but there are dog breeds who have a solid reputation for their velcro tendencies. Here are the most affectionate dog breeds:
Affectionate dog behavior explained
Dogs breeds with a velcro personality were developed specifically to be close to their people. Some of these dogs were bred as companion dogs and attentive to people’s feelings; other breeds were created to work side-by-side with humans. For these dogs, clingy behavior is a breed-specific trait and is desirable. This is something to consider before getting a dog. If you want a more independent companion, these dogs are not the breed for you. A true velcro dog is confident and well socialized, but given the option, he’ll always choose to be close to you.
Our dog breeds section gives insight into finding the right dog for your lifestyle.
Velcro dogs and safety hazards
If your dog always wants to be with you, it’s wonderful, but it can also pose a safety issue. If you find yourself tripping over your dog who is literally underfoot, create a training plan to keep both you and your dog safe. Here’s how:
Teach your dog to go to his bed or another designated area that is out of the way.
Lure him there with a treat or toy.
Then, reward your dog with praise and treats for being on his bed or designated spot.
Repeat these steps until your dog can go to his bed on cue.
The goal is for your dog to see his bed as a rewarding place, so you won’t trip over him while you’re cooking or moving around your house.
The difference between velcro and anxiety behavior:
Velcro dog temperament is not the same as a dog having separation anxiety, insecurity or feeling uncomfortable on his own. Dogs with velcro dog syndrome prefer to spend time with their people, but they are also perfectly capable of being alone. Dogs with anxiety become distressed or uncomfortable when alone. For anxious dogs, connect with your veterinarian to see if there is an underlying medical issue. Work with a dog trainer who utilizes positive reinforcement techniques to help your dog learn new coping skills. Similarly, if your dog suddenly starts sticking to you like velcro and that isn’t his normal temperament, it could be an indication that he’s in pain or has some other underlying health condition.
If you notice a change in your dog’s temperament schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away to determine if there is a medical cause for the behavior changes.
Architecture practice Studio Wok has created a matcha-green counter and Japanese-style fabric panels for bakery and wine bar Pan in Milan‘s Acquabella district.
The studio created the eatery, which is led by Japanese chefs Yoji Tokuyoshi and Alice Yamada, to have an interior that would represent a meeting between Japan and Milan.
“There are references to Japanese culture, non-literal and far from stereotypes,” Studio Wok said. “The intention was for a deeper understanding, working on the concept of quality, both in materials and in details.”
A fibreglass counter sits at the centre of the bakery
A central bread counter is the “protagonist piece” in Pan’s interior design.
The counter was constructed from panels of fibreglass grid and its eye-catching colour was informed by the vivid green of matcha, an ingredient widely used in Pan’s food, the studio said.
Fibreglass was also used to create an external bench, linking the bakery with the wider neighbourhood.
Fibreglass was also used for an external bench
“We did a lot of research looking for a ‘poor’ material that could be ennobled by being used in an innovative way,” Studio Wok told Dezeen.
“Fiberglass grating is a material used in industry but little used in interiors and it seemed perfect to us.”
Fabric hangs from the ceiling
The green of the fibreglass is echoed in vertical fins of hanging fabric that define the ceiling, creating a dialogue between hard and soft elements within the space.
These suspended sheets of fabric are a contemporary update of the traditional Japanese design element of ‘noren’, meaning curtains or hanging divider panels.
Wooden seats have views of the street
“The ceiling sheets have the main function of creating a three-dimensional covering to make the environment more welcoming and also to work from an acoustic point of view,” the studio said.
“They create a suspended three-dimensional world, both continuous and ephemeral. Furthermore, they dialogue with natural light during the day and with artificial light in the evening.”
The bathroom has a decorative stone sink
In the bathroom, the green theme continues with a wall and sliding door featuring translucent panels of pressed cellulose, which have been fixed onto a wooden grid frame.
“We were looking for a translucent material to allow natural light to pass through the anteroom. It also reminded us of the rice paper walls, typical of Japan,” Studio Wok said.
The effect of these materials is to create “a green monochromatic box from which the monolithic element of the sink emerges,” Studio Wok said.
The sink was made of a grey-tinted natural stone called Moltrasio.
In the main space, light grey walls and floors in hand-trowelled cementitious resin amplify the sense of light, while chestnut was used in both its pale natural form and stained black across integrated and freestanding furniture.
Black-stained chestnut was used for the bar area
The bar area has a more serious, less playful atmosphere, informed by the black-stained chestnut wood of the counter and cabinetry.
Here, a rough-hewn natural stone boulder serves as a water counter, introducing a freeform, sculptural element to the space.
Studio Wok designed the bakery and wine bar with references to Japan
To anchor the space in the local neighbourhood, Studio Wok designed large windows with pale chestnut frames that open the bakery up towards the street.
Seating in the window areas “project the interiors of the venue outwards, creating a hybrid threshold space between the domestic and the urban,” the studio said.
“Our vision for the material palette at Pan was to seek a balance between elements with a contemporary and industrial flavour, with others that are more natural and timeless,” said Studio Wok.
“It’s a celebration of Japan and its dualism between innovation and wabi-sabi spirit.”
At least 22 people were hurt and one was killed in a Sunday mass shooting at a Juneteenth event.
An unknown number of suspects opened fire in a strip mall parking lot in Willowbrook, Illinois.
The search for suspects is ongoing, police officials said.
Thanks for signing up!
Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you’re on the go.
At least 22 people were injured and one is dead after a shooter opened fire Sunday at a Juneteenth celebration in suburban Chicago, The New York Times reported.
Shortly after midnight local time, an unknown number of suspects fired multiple rounds from multiple weapons into a crowd in a parking lot in Willowbrook, Illinois, about 21 miles outside of Chicago, police officials said in a news release. The search for the suspects is ongoing.
People had gathered to celebrate Juneteenth, a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States. The first Juneteenth celebrations took place in 1866 in Texas, where a year earlier, a Union Army general declared that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, were free by executive decree. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a law establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
It’s unclear what led to the gunfire in a strip mall parking lot in Willowbrook, Illinois.
Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
What began as a peaceful gathering in Willowbrook on Saturday night turned terrifying before the morning.
The celebration began around 6 p.m. local time in a strip mall parking lot near Hinsdale Lake Terrace apartments, the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release, according to The New York Times and CNN. Police had been monitoring the event, and left around 12:25 a.m. after receiving a call about a fight nearby. They heard gunshots ring out and returned to the celebration, the statement said.
“The motive behind this incident is unclear and this is still an active investigation,” DuPage County Deputy Sheriff Eric Swanson told reporters at a press conference Sunday.
The deceased person has not been identified. It’s unclear the ages and conditions of the wounded victims.
A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to an Insider request for comment.
On Sunday, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a statement, saying, “Gathering for a holiday celebration should be a joyful occasion, not a time where gunfire erupts and families are forced to run for safety.”
“As I’ve said time and time again, gun violence is a public health emergency in this country and I remain committed to banning these dangerous weapons and making our state safer for everyone,” he added.
